News http://www.wlga.gov.uk/news http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification mojoPortal Blog Module en-GB 120 no Local government signs up to Charter to help streamline the Welsh benefits system A charter is being launched today to help improve accessibility of the benefits system and encourage eligible residents to claim vital support.

The Welsh Benefits Charter has been co-designed by a range of stakeholders, including the WLGA and local authorities, with a shared focus on supporting the most disadvantaged people in our communities.

The WLGA and all local authorities are signatories to the Charter, agreeing to work with Welsh Government to take action towards developing a consistent Welsh benefits system that works for the people of Wales.

 

Councillor Anthony Hunt (Torfaen), WLGA Finance Spokesperson said:

“Now more than ever, as our communities continue to be gripped by the ongoing Cost of Living crisis, it is critical that residents are able to access and claim all eligible support. Working together with Welsh Government and partners, this Charter is part of the ongoing process to design and deliver an inclusive benefits system which works for our residents.

“We urge all residents to check what support they may be entitled to. More information can be found on their local authority website.”

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/local-government-signs-up-to-charter-to-help-streamline-the-welsh-benefits-system http://www.wlga.gov.uk/local-government-signs-up-to-charter-to-help-streamline-the-welsh-benefits-system http://www.wlga.gov.uk/local-government-signs-up-to-charter-to-help-streamline-the-welsh-benefits-system Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:36:00 GMT
Working in partnership to achieve a fairer council tax system WLGA has today welcomed a series of measures introduced by Welsh Government designed to create a fairer and more equitable council tax system, following extensive engagement with WLGA, local authorities and MoneySavingExpert.com.

New measures being introduced today (Monday 1 April) by Welsh Government include:

  • Removing the sanction of imprisonment for non-payment of council tax
  • A consistent approach across all local authorities to applications for discounts and exemptions for people with a ‘severe mental impairment’
  • The adoption of the Council Tax Protocol for Wales – Good practice in collection of council tax, which outlines the commitment of the WLGA, local authorities and Welsh Government to take a more consistent and resident-focused approach to debt, arrears and enforcement

Council Tax raises over £1.3bn a year for vital public services and it is important that balance is struck between maximising the collection and being as fair as possible, especially with the most vulnerable in our society.

 

Councillor Mary Sherwood (Swansea), WLGA Spokesperson for Equalities, Welfare Reform and Anti-Poverty said:

“The Council Tax Protocol for Wales is a step-change in our approach to debt & arrears will focus on early engagement with tax payers.  It also promotes closer working relationships with our partners in the advice sector and enforcement agents to ensure that problem don’t needlessly spiral out of control for vulnerable people

“We look forward to building upon these measures with Welsh Government.”

 

The Council Tax Protocol for Wales is available online at www.wlga.wales/welfare-reform.

 

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/working-in-partnership-to-achieve-a-fairer-council-tax-system http://www.wlga.gov.uk/working-in-partnership-to-achieve-a-fairer-council-tax-system http://www.wlga.gov.uk/working-in-partnership-to-achieve-a-fairer-council-tax-system Mon, 01 Apr 2019 10:50:00 GMT