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Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“Above inflation Council Tax increases will be yet another crippling blow to older people already struggling to meet enormous price hikes on fuel, food and water bills this year. Since Labour came to power Council Tax has doubled whilst many pensioners are finding it hard to manage with the real value of the state pension declining. Ministers again failed to address this issue in the Budget.

“Council Tax should be replaced by a fairer system that reflects people’s ability to pay. In the mean-time efforts to improve the take-up of Council Tax Benefit must be increased, as this is the least claimed benefit by older people. Moves should also be made towards a system of automatic benefits payments.

“With councils facing tough choices on expenditure and considering cutting vital social care services, ministers must act urgently to bring forward the long-awaited consultation on reform and funding of social care."

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