Uttlesford Liberal Democrats propose £100 Council Tax rebate for low-income families
Uttlesford Liberal Democrat councillors are pleased to hear that the district council is likely to agree to their proposal to give a £100 Council Tax rebate to nearly one thousand low-income families in the district at the budget meeting on Tuesday 22nd February.
Cllr Ayub Khan, the Lib Dem councillor who is proposing the rebate, said "The cost-of-living crisis has been growing in scale and impact over the last six months, with inflation now at a 30 year high that is yet to peak. Those on the lowest incomes are most exposed.
Whilst the crisis is already affecting households across Uttlesford, it is set to deepen further with rising food prices and a planned National Insurance hike in April. The increase in energy prices will push more of our households into fuel poverty. The Citizens Advice service in Uttlesford saw a 35% rise in people accessing fuel debt advice in 2021.Our amendment to the budget is progressive, targeted and designed to help those low income families who will be most affected by the cost of living crisis. I thank the administration party for indicating that they will accept our amendment."
The rebate will be given to the 948 working-age households that only receive partial support via the Council's Local Council Tax Support scheme and are normally required to pay a minimum of 12.5% of their Council Tax bill. Even after receiving the rebate, these households will pay some council tax.