Help and support to those affected by changes to the benefit and tax credit systems is being offered by Wiltshire Council.

The new rules introduced by the Welfare Reform Act, which start to come into force from April 1, mean that council tax benefit will be replaced by a new council tax reduction (CTR) scheme. 

Additionally some people who claim housing benefit will see a cut in the amount they receive if they are considered under the new rules to have too many bedrooms.

Unlike the previous council tax benefit scheme, CTR is a local scheme which has been shaped with the help of Wiltshire residents through consultation.

It will only affect people of working age so most people of pensionable age currently in receipt of council tax benefit will not notice any difference.

All customers currently receiving council tax benefit will be automatically transferred to the new CTR scheme.

Wiltshire Council’s scheme has been designed to protect those customers who are most vulnerable but people of working age who qualify for CTR but are not defined as vulnerable will now have to pay at least 20 per cent of their council tax bill.

The council has a range of payment options to help customers ensure these payments are made.

Also from April 1 central government’s 'under occupation' rules, which already apply to people living in private sector housing, will affect residents of council and housing association properties.

The new rules will restrict the size of the accommodation a claimant can receive full housing benefit for, resulting in a cut of 14 per cent of rent from the benefit payment for one extra bedroom or 25 per cent for two or more extra bedrooms. 

From mid July until September, central government will be introducing a limit, or cap, on the total amount of benefit working age people can receive at £350 per week for a single adult with no children and £500 per week for a couple or lone parent, regardless of the number of children they have.

Anyone who wants to find out more about these reforms and how the changes may affect them should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk or call 0300 456 0110 where staff will be on hand to answer questions.

From April 1 Wiltshire Council will be delivering a new scheme called Local Welfare Provision. This is designed to provide practical help, advice and support to people who are experiencing extreme difficulties, such as not having food or needing support to live independently in the community.

More information about how to apply for assistance under the scheme can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk