Elderly crippled by council tax

Council tax bills have rose by 121% in the last 10 years, according to the Halifax. This figure makes the 82% average increase in wages after tax look like peanuts and it's hitting those who can't afford it the worst.

Those aged over 75 are now spending twice as much on their council tax as younger households, acording to research.

Council tax accounts for 3% of the total spending for the under 50s, compared to 6% of the total spending of the over 75s.

Areas where ther are more pensioners have seen the highest rises in council tax charges, as bills in the 20 towns which have the most pensioners incresed by 149% since 1993/1994, compared with a national average of 121%.

Chicheser, in West Sussex, for example has seen a 173% rise in council tax bills, since 1993. This figure was followed closely by that of Christchurch in Dorset - where nearly a third of the population are of pension age and council tax bills have risen 171% since 1993.

"Clearly council tax is an important issue for older residents. The tax accounts for a higher proportion of their spending than for younger age groups," said Tim Crawford, Halifax group economist.

"Pensioners' incomes have not kept pace with the significant growth in the rate of council tax."

In the light of the Halifax research, pressure group Help the Aged reiterated its call for changes to the council tax system.

"With each year that passes, inflation-busting increases in council tax and other household bills completely swallow up the small rises in the basic state pension leaving many of our older people struggling to make ends meet," said its spokeswoman, Anna Pearson.