Find out more about changes to Council Tax in Fareham

From 1st April 2013, the way in which some people receive support paying their Council Tax is changing, and to help residents find out more about it, Fareham Borough Council is running drop-in advice sessions at Ferneham Hall over the next three weeks.

Council Tax Benefit is being replaced by the Council Tax Support Scheme. This change is being made following a reduction in funding the Council receives from the Government.

The Council Tax Support Scheme was created as a way to ensure that we could continue to help those most in need in the Borough. Under the scheme, many people won't see any change to their bills, while some will see that their bills are not discounted as much as they used to be.

To help people understand what the change will mean for them, from Monday, a series of drop-in sessions are being run at in the Octagon Lounge at Fernehall Hall. Benefits Officers from the Council will be on hand at these sessions to answer people's questions, and offer advice about what support is available to help them pay their bills.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward said: "We understand that some residents will have questions about the new Council Tax Support Scheme. That's why we're running these drop-in sessions so that people can find how they may be affected and what support will be provided. We believe the new Council Tax Support Scheme is a fair way to provide help to those who need it most."

The sessions will run from Monday 18th March to Friday 5th April*, 8.45am to 5.15pm.

* the service will not be running over the Easter bank holiday, Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April.

Alternatively residents can contact the council's Revenue and Benefits team:

Fareham Borough Council, Revenue & Benefits team, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7AZ

benefits@fareham.gov.uk