COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT

Early day motion 196, tabled 25 November 2004 by Lord Willetts (Conservative). Signed by 62 members.

That this House notes that the average Band D bill in England in 2004-05 will be ú1,167, an increase of 69 per cent. since 1997-98; is concerned that take-up of council tax benefit fell in the last year that statistics are available from 70.76 per cent. by caseload in 2000-01 to 66.72 per cent. in 2001-02; is particularly disturbed that take-up by pensioners is the lowest of all family types at 57.63 per cent. by caseload in 2001-02; recognises that between ú590m and ú770m worth of council tax benefit is left unclaimed by pensioners; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to increase take-up of council tax benefit, particularly amongst pensioners.

Signatures by party: Conservative 59, DUP 2, Independent 1.