Council Tax

[sir.prize]

I have always known that Council Tax Benefit is means tested. And naturally bank statements (usually the last three months) have to be produced, but I was surprised to learn from my neighbour that the council said that had to photocopy his originals - it was not enough just to SEE them. Under the current Data Protection policies I would have thought his was a little irregular. Bank statements carry a lot of confidential info that should not interest the council - eg: expenditures, direct debits, etc. They should only be interested in income. What do other ABers think?

[bednobs]

mythoughts are this: if you want to benefit from the benefit as it were, then you have to follow the procedures they ask. I was under the impression that council tax benefit was one of those that is paid along side another - ie if you get income support, that is the gateway to council tax benefit. i wonder how people without bank accounts manage if the criteria is 3 bank statements?

[sir.prize]

bednobs - thanks for the reply - you are probably right about council tax benefit being dependant on another benefit. But I think in the case of pensioners, while they may have income - ie state and occupational pensions, which are low and therefore qualify them for CT Benefit, they do not necessarily receive other benefits. And your question regarding people without bank accounts - mmm, never thought of that.

[Swiper]

I unfortunately had to go on housing and coucil tax benefit a couple of years back when times were hard and know first hand what it is like. I had to produce lots of info and they photocopied it all which i wasn't happy with. I couldn't wait till I came off of it! To say they are meant to be helping people out in times of hardship it's a bit intrusive. Although with the amount of benefit cheats around I can see why they do it!

[angeldraws]

Swiper is right about cheats - and it is unfortunate that current procedures are a result of those who would claim fraudulently. However, claimants do benefit (no pun intended!) from these procedures, as legitimate evidence/documentation prevents claimants from cheating the system.

In reply to the query of those without bank accounts, the rent money is paid straight to the landlord and for council tax benefit - it is taken straight off the bill. If a bank account has previously been on record, then proof is required from the bank, of closure of the account/s.

[angeldraws]

.........also, (i'm always doing this cos i always think o something else after i've posted!!!)
- Data Protection generally means that no-one can access the personal information held and it won't be passed on to other companies/organisations without your consent - with the exception of investigations etc., which is always checked to be above-board and legal. The reason they are photocopied is so that you are not kept waiting, for them to scan the info into the electronic system. The hard copies are destroyed after so many weeks but will remain on the system for as long as you are a current claimant.

[sir.prize]

Thank you all for taking the time to answer.