Unclaimed millions could give New Year boost to thousands – Kirsty (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

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Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire <post@cwsplibdems.org.uk>

Unclaimed millions could give New Year boost to thousands – Kirsty

January 5, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Kirsty Williams has urged people in Wales to check whether they are eligible for some of the £100m that goes unclaimed each year in council tax benefit.

The new Welsh Liberal Democrat leader warned that thousands of people are paying over the odds, because they are put off by the bureaucracy involved in claiming credits. The additional money would be a welcome boost to many, at a time when the cold snap is raising ever greater concern about winter fuel bills.

Kirsty said: "Too many people in Wales are paying too much for their council tax. It's unfair, it's unnecessary, and it has to end.

"That's why I'm urging everyone to check whether they could qualify. Pensioners in particular need to check. Figures show that up to 45% of pensioners who qualify for this money don't apply for it.

"If a shop didn't give you change, you'd ask for it. But because the government isn't giving people the change they deserve - some people don't like to make a fuss.

"If there was just a 10% increase in take up it would lift 47,000 pensioners out of poverty across the UK. Christmas may have passed, but for many people, this is a Christmas present that is sitting under the tree, ready to be unwrapped."

Welsh Liberal Democrats want to scrap the council tax and replace it with a system which better reflects people's ability to pay.

Kirsty added: "While the Labour Party and the Conservatives continue to support the unfair council tax, millions of people across the UK will continue to lose out. Until we can get the change of government we need to scrap the council tax, we must do all we can to ensure that those who are entitled to council tax benefit get what they deserve."

Notes:

Kirsty Williams became leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats on Monday December 8.

In a recent statement, Brian Gibbons said: "research from the DWP tells us that approximately £100 million of council tax benefit goes unclaimed every year in Wales."