Council Tax: Support Schemes

Baroness Eaton Excerpts

Thursday 12th June 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

My Lords, I notice that the noble Lord did not inform your Lordships that council tax bills more than doubled under his Government, as did spending on council tax benefit, rising to more than £4 billion, which equated to £180 for every household. Action was therefore essential. We have cut council tax bills and changed the benefit system for council tax so that people are supported properly in their local areas by their local authorities, which are responsible for setting and collecting council tax. Those authorities now have a vested interest in supporting local people back into work. The latest unemployment figures show how our overall approach to the economy is working.

[Baroness Eaton (Con)]

My Lords, as welfare spending spiralled out of control under the previous Labour Government, could the Minister inform the House how much money this Government have saved?

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

This particular programme saved £414 million last year.