Age Concern's response to increases in council tax

20 February 2006

Gordon Lishman, Director-General of Age Concern, said:

“News of yet another cripplingly rise in council tax bills will cause misery for millions and it is pensioners who are set to suffer once again. While council tax and energy bills have increased at a staggering rate in recent years, the state pension has stayed disgracefully low. The Government needs to replace the unfair council tax system with one that reflects people’s ability to pay.

“In the meantime, any pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet should check whether they are entitled to income benefits. Up to 2 million older people are still missing out on up to £1.1 billion of Council Tax Benefit each year."