Dear All,

Does anybody know of any Government plans to discipline Local Authorities who insist stating in their literature that Council Tax Benefit cannot be paid to anybody with savings of over £16,000, whilst whithholding the fact that this rule does not apply to pensioners receiving Guaranteed Pension Credits?

I've heard a rumour that the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate are getting involved, but i'm not aware of any other body taking this as a campaigning issue- especially to raise awareness amongst pensioners.

Considering how many myths circulate about benefit entitlements, and how these affect benefit take up, local authorities should have responsibilty for insuring that this information is stated clearly.

Have tried approaching the LA(s) concerned?

The HB/CTB system is horrendously complicated and things get missed. I am sure most LA's would appreciate any feedback on how they can improve their communications with claimants.

Adds smugly.......

MY LA has got this right....well on the website anyway.

Hi Andy-

I'm glad that Brighton and Hove have got it right! I work on a national advice line, and to approach every LA's that clients have had problems with- either over the telephone or through incomplete information- would be a whole other job.

There just seems to be a gap in awareness (and I recognise that legislation/ information often doesn't always filter down successfully), and I think that some LA's should be a little more proactive in getting the information out.

I suppose that the Pension Service initiative of sending out CTB application forms goes some way towards tackling the problem.