LG Futures has developed a financial model to assist authorities in estimating the future potential budget implications of council tax benefit localisation and the financial parameters relating to the main strategic options available. The model provides a structured approach to the calculations that authorities will need to make, working with local data, including a five-year forecast of the financial impact of expected changes in council tax levels; patterns of claimant numbers; collection rates/costs; and take-up levels. The model identifies the implications for differing stakeholder groups – the council, average council tax payer and average council tax benefit claimant. To date, over 30 authorities have used the model, including three county regions.
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