A positive step forward but action is needed now.

Age Concern England Director-General‚ Gordon Lishman‚ said:

“Inflation-busting rises in Council Tax in recent years have proved a major strain for millions of pensioners‚ particularly those who live in a big house but on a low‚ fixed income.

“The Government’s decision to extend the Lyon’s Inquiry remit to address the wider role of local government is welcome.  There’s no doubt that public services provided by local authorities are hugely important to older people and must be of a high standard and properly funded. But action is needed now to ease the short-term headache of Council Tax bills. 

“Ultimately‚ we want a fairer system in place which is more closely linked to people’s ability to pay. In the meantime‚ older people must make sure they are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to - up to 1.8 million older people are missing out on Council Tax Benefit which could cut the average pensioner’s bill by £470 a year¹.”

Notes to editors

1 Annual DWP take-up figures‚ published February 2005

Media contact:

Email:
Media Team