Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
Well Tom I've been asking the same question on here, albeit a bit louder, and it led to my enforced absence.
As much as ALL politicians are fair game, blaming the mayor (the fact I like her is immaterial) is barking up the wrong tree.
Its a question I've asked many times, what are councillors FOR?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
just to add something to the the mix, central government decide on housing benefit but local authorities on council tax benefit.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
nice twist on words in post 61 david.
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
What words have I twisted Howard?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
your enforced absence was not due to asking questions "albeit a bit louder" david.
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
Howard , you are correct #62.
Council tax benefit rates or reduction in discount are set by local councils to make local decisions.
In East Kent the councils have agreed a formula whereby the discount only reduces between 5-6% instead of 10%+. In West Kent the figure after a gov.allowance is withdrawn will be 17-18% reduction.
The issue over under occupation relates to Universal Credits which is due to come into force after October. In effect nobody can receive over £26k in benefits. This is set by central government & has no local discretion.
What Gary C received was notification of what will happen after Oct. when the new system is implemented & reflects the combining of all benefits into a single payment.
So the bottom line is council tax discounts reduce in April [there are exceptions i.e. elderly.]
After October the next set of reforms the Universal credit comes into play ,which includes Housing benefit changes.
Hope this clear.
Watty
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Mr Watkins hit the nail on the head with his post,I was at the same meeting alongside him,infact he had to tell me to sit down because I was trying to put my views over to the others that were also there.I must be geting old years ago I would have just carred on. Yes we are in bad times but we are all in that boat even councils so most will be paying more.But it could have been even more as we see in other parts of the UK.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I hope, Paul, the council has the discretion to vary the rules in cases of particular hardship? Otherwise there are going to be some very unfair outcomes.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Vic, I have tried to shut you up at a public meeting and it ended with the Town Sergeant trying to chuck you out of the Town Hall. So nothing new there then.
Keep it up, Vic!
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Sorry Mr Garstin the town sergeant asked me to go but I said no and told him to go away.And he did,and I carred on.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Never mind Vic, I still used to enjoy cooking you and Lesley lunch occasionally. Hope we are still friends?
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Yes even that we do not meet up anymore,but all the best to you and your family,and I do not go into Blakes anymore.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
It happen again last night at the DDC offices at a meeting,but this time I said all I had to say, without being told to sit down.That is a first.I am at a meeting tonight I just hope this one will be peacefull,but------
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Good for you Vic, keep it up!
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
Paul
This letter below clearly states that our benefit will be cut in April not October. Am I missing something?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
Seems to me there are two different Housing benefit changes , one relating to occupancy being applied at April & second part applied to Universal credit limits after October. Either way these are not DDC discretionary issues.
I will confirm tomorrow for you Gary.
These are not Council Tax discount issues.
The expert on the new schemes is Andrew Stevens at East Kent shared services who deal with Revenue & Benefits for 4 East Kent Districts. He is giving evidence to a House of Commons Select Committee on the practical implications of the changes.
Try getting thru. to him Gary although you may have difficulty because he is in the thick of dealing with the process of the changes.
Peter, these are Dept of Work & Pensions issues, I don't believe we have the discretions you identify. What we don't collect in effect becomes a burden on those who fulfil their obligations & increases their payments to meet debt liabilities.
Watty
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
No Tom, they aren't just for decoration and amusement only - certainly not (their) amusement.
The Cabinet members are those with the responsibility and then it comes to full Council for ratification.
We have had some very good Mayors in recent years who have all carried out their civic duties extremely well - Anne Smith, the current Mayor is no exception.
Roger
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
Paul.
The new system is clear cut and concise.
14% cut in HB for 1 un-occupied bed, 25% for 2 un-occupied beds.
The grey area is how it is going to be implemented and it seems, when, it is going to be implemented.
I do not agree with forcing people to give up there 3 bedroom houses if they have living siblings.
I have 1 son at home and 2 other sons and 1 daughter, plus grandchildren, who do not live with me but visit and stay with us on many occasions throughout the year. Therefore my spare bedroom is vital to my family life.
However, if someone wishes to downsize, then they should be able to, providing the move is acceptable to all parties.
The problem is, where are the council going to move them to, if they request a move, due to these cuts, which is one of the options?
If I choose that option, the council will either have to find me an adapted 2 bedroom house, which there are none available or adapt a 2 bedroom house at a huge cost.
This has not been thought out properly and is going to cause a lot of unrest.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
May well be Gary, suggest you direct your questions and need for change to your MP.
This is a Westminster decision passed to local government to implement.
Only Westminster can change it.
If it is not implemented and collected locally then others locally bear the burden of the shortfall.
Watty
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i wouldn't hold out much hope in that direction gary, charlie has been fully supportive of these changes all the way through.
