Hundreds of Monmouthshire pensioners are to get help with their Council Tax thanks to a Welsh Government grant. The grant, to be administered by Monmouthshire County Council, will help those pensioners on limited income and are considered to be most in need.
All Welsh local authorities have been offered additional funding under the scheme with Monmouthshire’s share being £109,137. The grant will help pensioners with their bills for the current financial year, 2011/12.
In 2010/11 829 pensioners in Monmouthshire benefited from the scheme with 540 receiving the maximum award of £150.00.
Cllr Phil Murphy, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“This money will come as a welcome relief to the county’s pensioners who are on a limited income. It’s getting more and more expensive to cover fuel and food bills and this grant will ease the pressures a little.”
Cllr Geoff Burrows, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing adds:
“The success of last year’s scheme shows that Monmouthshire’s pensioners are feeling the pinch. As a council, we are committed to protecting the county’s must vulnerable people and we hope that this grant will make a small difference to those pensioners most in need.”
Qualifying pensioners need not contact the council to access the grant. They will automatically receive a letter letting them know that they are eligible.
Monmouthshire pensioners are reminded that the Benefits Team is here to help. Cllr Burrows explains:
“In Wales, up to £75.5 million Council Tax Benefit goes unclaimed by older people every year. Even if you’re not eligible for help with this grant, you could still be eligible for Council Tax Benefit.”
Contact Monmouthshire’s Benefits Team on 01633 644655 or visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk.
