Fear over Council tax rises for singletons

COUNCIL Tax Advisors predicts public outrage at the Local Government Association (LGA), which is seeking to abolish the 25% Council tax discount given to single person households.

The LGA, the national voice of local government, works with Councils to support, promote and improve local authorities. Following the abolition of Council tax benefits and the creation in its place of Council Tax Support in April, the number of people struggling with Council tax arrears has increased.

As reported in The Daily Mail, Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, referred to the potential removal of the discount as the 'Bridget Jones tax'. According to The Daily Mail, more than seven million people are thought to receive the 25% discount. Abolishing it is likely to incur the anger of people living alone, who, typically, would see their Council tax bill increase by an estimated £30 a month for a Band D property.

Chris Richards, MD and Founder of Council Tax Advisors, says:- "Taking away the 25% Council tax discount for single occupants will hit the most disadvantaged parts of Britain hardest. The cutback of funding in cash terms will be more drastic in areas where Council tax benefit spending is higher."

Council Tax Advisors recently predicted a 10% rise in the number of people falling behind with their Council tax as a result of the elimination of Council Tax Benefits in April 2013. It also believes that the number of debtors vulnerable to bailiff action will increase by around 25%. Despite this, the LGA is calling for Councils to be given full and unconstrained local powers to vary all Council tax discounts, including the single person's discount. Labour authorities including Liverpool, Sheffield, Islington and Exeter are backing the LGA's plan.

Council Tax Advisors helps people with Council tax arrears. Its staff members take a unique approach and care for their clients with constant dedication. CTA offers free advice which resolves 60% of cases in the first instance, diligently and swiftly. A comprehensive mediation service is also available at a maximum fee of £150.00 to resolve more difficult situations.

For more information, visit:- Counciltaxadvisors.co.uk.

North West nursing agency opens new Liverpool office

NORTH West nursing agency Jane Lewis Health & Social Care has announced a return to Liverpool.  Based in Chester, the health and social care provider has unveiled a new base in the Corn Exchange, Fenwick Street, to help meet the growing demand for nurses and carers across Merseyside, including Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens.

"There's been a significant expansion in our client base and a stronger demand for our specialist skills in supporting clients of all ages with acquired brain injuries and other physical and psychological disabilities.  Demands for our core services in supplying nurses and carers to the NHS, and to private care and nursing homes, are also showing a marked increase.  We ran an office in Liverpool many years ago and we're proud and delighted with our decision to return. The new office will enable us to meet the needs of our Merseyside clients and allow us to expand our reach even further." says Jane Lewis Managing Director, Nick Hodson.

Jane Lewis Health & Social Care provides flexible staffing solutions for the nursing, domiciliary care, occupational health and social care sectors across the North West of England and North Wales.

For more information about Jane Lewis and the services they provide, visit:- janelewis.co.uk.