Newport West AM Rosemary Butler has welcomed a move by the Welsh Assembly to help poorer families and pensioners pay their council tax.

Three million pounds will be available to councils throughout Wales over the next three years to help them encourage the take-up of council tax benefits.

Councils like Newport will be able to widen the Council Tax Benefit campaigns they run so that they can encourage families with children, as well as pensioners, to take up the benefits they are entitled to.

Rosemary Butler said :

"Around one in three households in Wales are entitled to this benefit, yet up to £100 million is currently being left unclaimed. This money could be making a real difference to the income of families and pensioners.

"One of the main aims of the Assembly is to eradicate child poverty and this new money should help.

"Newport City Council will now find it easier to target the advice and support it offers on benefits. I want to see everyone who is eligible receiving these benefits."

Thursday, February 21st