RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on proposed changes to the Council Tax Benefit system.

The Government is planning to abolish the current system from April 2013 and replace it with a locally designed Council Tax Support Scheme where all councils will have to devise their own scheme on significantly reduced funds.

This will mean Tameside Council will have to design a new scheme which costs approximately £4.2 million less than the current one.

The Government has stipulated that certain claimants, such as those of pensionable age, must remain protected from any cuts. Some working-age claimants will, however, suffer significant reduction in their benefits.

The Council has developed four options for the future delivery for Council Tax support and wants all residents have the opportunity to have their say on the fairest way to implement these changes. People can find out more and give their views through the Big Conversation at www.tameside.gov.uk/tbc

The consultation will be open from 6 August and 9 September 2012.

Tameside Council First Deputy Cllr Jim Fitzpatrick said: “Although we don’t agree with these proposed Government imposed changes, we want to ensure we give everyone the opportunity to have their say in helping to shape an affordable system which is as fair as it possibly can be for Tameside residents.”