Government Fails in Bid to Block Council Tax Benefit Review

The Government has failed to block a bid by peers ordering Eric Pickles to commission a formal independent review of council tax support three years after its implementation.  The amendment - tabled by Labour peer Baroness Hollis of Heigham - was successfully voted in favour by peers - despite attempts by the Government to block it. Critics of the reform point out that cuts will be pushed onto low-income working age claimants as pensioners will be protected.  Thus, those who have never paid council tax could find they’re liable for payments of up to £200 a year.  Read more on 24dash.