Four in ten pensioners are not claiming council tax relief

Date:  05 July 2005

As many as four out of ten pensioners are failing to apply for the reduction in council tax that they are due, according to Three Rivers District Council. The District Council is campaigning with the support of Hertfordshire County Council's money advice unit, the Department of Work and Pensions and other local authorities across the county to encourage the uptake of benefits by both pensioners and younger residents.

Councillor Richard Struck, Three Rivers' portfolio holder for resources, said:

"There are many reasons pensioners don't claim benefits. Lack of clarity about eligibility, complex and lengthy forms and the hesitation in claiming entitlements may all play a part. We are looking at breaking down these barriers and reaching out to groups who haven't claimed what they are owed. This summer's sixtieth anniversary celebrations of the end of the war are a timely reminder to pensioners to claim their dues."

The campaign has been backed by Three Rivers' Citizen Advice Service. Executive Director Marion Seneschall said:

"Many of our older clients do not realise they can get help with their council tax payments. Owner occupiers with a modest occupational pension in addition to the state pension will often qualify for help with council tax, even if they are not eligible for Pension Credit.

"Also, this autumn the government will be giving most households with someone over 65 in them an extra £200 with their Winter Fuel Payment, to help with council tax. However, many people will qualify for more help than this, and they should not delay until they receive that payment. If they call in at one of our bureaux - in Abbots Langley, South Oxhey or Rickmansworth - we will be happy to check their situation for them."