A DISABILITY rights campaigner has dubbed looming council tax changes "the end of the world" for disabled people.
From April, the current national council tax benefit system will be replaced with a localised tax reduction scheme.
The move is being made by the UK Government, which is cutting the level of funding it will provide by around 10 per cent.
It means households having previously received 100 per cent council tax benefit will have to pay at least part of their bill, while those currently receiving partial council tax benefit will face an increase in the amount they have to pay.
Anne Stephens-Bevan, 71, welfare officer of the Burry Port-based Disability Rights Bureau, said: "People said the world would end on December 21, but the real end of the world will be people having their benefits cut.
Uprising
"It really is going to hit people very badly. This country has lost its way. The politicians have lost touch — they don't care.
"We are going to see an uprising in this country.
"People are not going to put up with this all the time."
Anne, whose 68-year-old husband Clive is disabled, said people with disabilities were already struggling to pay bills, and that the changes would kick them when they were down. She asked: "How are you going to pay council tax when you can't pay your bills already?
"We are already seeing people in distress.
"You will see more people dragged into court because they can't pay bills, which will humiliate them further.
"Those people out of work aren't criminals," she added.
Also disappointed by the move was Trimsaran mum Rebecca Thomas, who says the changes would affect her as she is currently unemployed and does not pay council tax under the existing scheme.
Funding
The 33-year-old — who volunteers at The Wallich — said: "It would affect me — I have three children and I am trying to get into work. It is a lot to juggle.
"We have enough to pay as it is, with things like gas going up."
The move — which will affect around 19,000 households in Carmarthenshire — is being made by the UK Government, which is cutting the level of funding it will provide.
The Welsh Government is responsible for introducing the replacement country-wide scheme in Wales, which will give local authorities a limited amount of discretion.
Carmarthenshire Council is now carrying out a consultation exercise to seek the views of residents and other interested parties regarding the standard all-Wales scheme and the council's proposals in respect of its discretionary powers.
The consultation document is available on the council's website at www.carmarthenshire.gov. uk/consultation or by calling 01267 234567, with hard copies at customer service centres and libraries.
