Consultation is set to begin into controversial changes to the way council tax benefit is allocated.

The council is looking to reduce costs ahead of changes due in April next year when responsibility for setting benefits is transferred from central to local government.

The government is offering 10 per cent less funding support, leading to £4.84m in extra costs for Croydon Council.

Changes could see about 7,000 Croydon residents forced to pay more council tax.

Those with savings of more than £8,000 but less than £16,000, adults living in households where they are not the main taxpayer, those on jobseekers allowance and adults who live with others who are on income support could all be forced to pay more.

Those who have been protected from any changes include pensioners, people on disability or employment support allowance, those on income support or single parents with a child under five.

Councillor Steve O’Connell, cabinet member for finance and performance management said: “I would encourage everyone to take part in this consultation, as the changes being proposed could affect all residents, whether a benefit claimant or not.

“The proposed scheme is the fairest for all our residents. We need to put in place a scheme which saves taxpayers money whilst also providing support for those who are the most vulnerable.”

Consultation runs from July 25 to September 5.

A questionnaire can be completed online at www.croydon.gov.uk/ctax, and can be picked up from libraries, Croydon Access at Taberner House.

Sessions, with council staff available to answer questions are as follows

Thornton Heath: 1 August : 9.45am to 2.45pm
 

Whitgift Centre: 11 August,  9.30am to 5.30pm

Coulsdon:  17 August,  9.45am to 11.45am

Purley: 17 August, 12.30pm to 2.30pm

New Addington: 21 August, 9.45am to 2.45pm