Help with Council Tax for Wales’ Pensioners

Neath Constituency Local AM, Gwenda Thomas today welcomed Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant’s announcement that the Welsh Assembly Government is allocating £205,642.00 to Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to help pensioners with their council tax bills.

The move follows the success of last year’s scheme which saw at total of over 32,000 pensioners throughout Wales receive help with their bill. Thousands more pensioners are set to benefit from the initiative during the next financial year as the Assembly Government is doubling the amount it allocates to the scheme, making £4 million available.

“Supporting pensioners through council tax relief is a key One Wales commitment” said Carl Sargeant. “By doubling the available funding, the Assembly Government is demonstrating that it is committed to helping even more Welsh pensioners.”

Mrs. Thomas said, “Neath Port Talbot CBC will receive its’ proportion of the funds to deliver a scheme of assistance that is best suited to local circumstances as they are familiar with the needs of pensioners in my constituency. This way, by administering funds through the local council, pensioners who are most in need of financial help will receive it.”

Mrs Thomas added, “Neath Port Talbot CBC will also receive an additional £5000 to cover the administration costs of this scheme.”

Pensioners are advised to contact Neath Port Talbot CBC to find out if they are eligible for council tax help.