In the next few weeks, many people are going to get a bill through their letterbox. This will be, for many, a usual process that happens at the start of each financial year. But for others, it’ll come as a shock and could have some severe consequences.

This life altering letter is the Council Tax bill. Many will have read in the news about the rise in Council Tax for many areas, but in some areas we are going to see more drastic changes.

This big change, contradictory to the move towards the Universal Benefit System, will see local councils developing their own Council Tax Support Schemes. This is due to the Government deciding that, to really ensure we become the BIG society, local councils should develop localised Council Tax support schemes. This may seem like a good idea on the surface, as it means local councils can provide the best support for their area. But the development of the scheme came with a few directives and requirements that councils had to follow…oh and a 10% cut in funding!

As each Council has different financial situations and different Councillors, we have seen a variety of schemes being developed. For example, the residents of Tower Hamlets are going to see no change in their Council Tax benefit as the Council will be absorbing all the costs. If you live in the neighbouring borough of Southwark however, you’ll be expected to pay a minimum of 15%, regardless of your situation.

So are we ready for this? And are charities ready for this?

We know from previous research that charities are the point of call for many people when they seek information on social benefits and housing issues. This means that if charities want to be able to provide that practical support that they are often associated with, they’re going to have to learn how to ‘get local’. People will need to know why they have to pay more and how they are going to afford this. Charities will be called upon to provide people with information on how the schemes have changed (and there are a lot of ways each council can differ) and the different funds available to those who may not be able to afford the bill that has just landed.

For charities to provide the appropriate and correct information, it’s important that those working within local areas or regions are engaged with the local councils. This should have ideally happened before the Schemes were agreed by full Council through the consultation and Equalities Impact Assessments. However, I imagine that engagement may have not been achievable due to past gripes, awareness and the lack of freedom for local branches of charities to comment without a corporate message leading the way.

Local branches of charities need to be given the power to engage with the local councils and communities whenever they need to. Not only this, they should be actively encouraged to do so. Freedom and trust should be given so they can take the steps needed to protect those who are in need, not just for council tax, but on any issue where it’s needed. Otherwise, charities are restricting themselves in fighting their very cause.

Adopting this approach will mean those in need are the number one priority. It is important that we remember who is in need of the support and advice and what charities need to be doing on a local level as well as nationally. These are the people who will more than likely be feeling the consequences of other cuts and reforms in welfare.

It’s a brave move that will take some implementing. But whether they like it or not, charities are going to have to develop the skills to flick between local and national engagement at the drop of a letter.

Want to post in support of us? Or does our opinion not fit the Bill? Leave us a comment below.