§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will raise the single person discount on council tax for single pensioners from 25 per cent.; and if he will make a statement. [148231]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to change the single persons discount for pensioners. Not all pensioners are on a low income and council tax benefit exists to help those that are. Steps are being taken to ensure that those who are eligible, including many pensioners, do take up their entitlement. We are also removing the current restriction on council tax benefit for those living in band F, G and H homes from next April.
§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to reduce the number of older people receiving court summonses for non-payment of council tax, with particular reference to cases where they were entitled to full council tax benefit and the only reason for the arrears was the delay in processing their claim. [148232]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThis is a matter for each individual billing authority, but the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would expect authorities to take account of whether there was a likely entitlement to benefit in considering enforcement action.
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of properties there are in each council tax band in each local authority area. [148733]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe information requested is available in the Library of the House.