Council Tax Benefit

EDM number 196 in 2004-05, proposed by David Willetts on 25/11/2004.

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.

This motion has been signed by a total of 62 MPs.