£50 windfall being sent to those on benefits
As Ealing's much heralded £50 cash handout starts to arrive in bank accounts and through the post there is growing disquiet that the money is also being awarded to non-tax payers.
This multi-million pound scheme is the biggest of its kind ever run by a council in England and is timed in the run up to Christmas.
According to the council's own website the money is for 'eligible' council tax payers, but local residents say they are aware that non-council tax payers are getting it too.
Forum member John Jones told Ealing Today:
''I know this is true because a neighbour of mine who is a council tenant, has his rent, council tax, disability allowance paid for and received in the post on Wednesday morning his £50 voucher. I have spoken to the tax office at the town hall and they confirmed every one whether or not they pay council tax will receive the £50.''
Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive at the TaxPayers' Alliance said:
"It's a great idea to give a tax rebate, and Ealing council should be proud that they have taken this step. A tax rebate should only be for those who pay tax, however, and taxpayers will be rightly concerned if non-tax payers are also receiving this windfall. Ealing should now do their best to turn this initiative into a much-needed lasting tax cut."
Ealing Today has asked for comment and is awaiting the council's explanation.
November 27, 2009
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