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<p>We do not collect this information centrally. These are local schemes, and it is
for local authorities to ensure that the effect on specific groups of council tax
payers is proportionate and fair.</p><p>The £100 million transition grant was a voluntary
grant for the first year only of the new system of local council tax support. We have
been clear from the outset that it was intended to give councils time to transition
to the new localised regime and realise greater efficiencies such as cutting fraud
and error, which cost £230 million in 2012-13.</p><p>Spending on council tax benefit
doubled under the last Government, costing taxpayers £4 billion a year – equivalent
to almost £180 a year per household. Welfare reform is vital to tackle the budget
deficit left by the last Administration. Our reforms to localise council tax support
now give councils stronger incentives to support local firms, cut fraud, promote local
enterprise and get people into work.</p><p> </p>
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