The results of the joint MJ/LGiU council finances survey have led to fresh concerns over how proposed reforms to council tax benefit (CTB) might affect some of the six million vulnerable people currently receiving local support.

Under plans outlined in the Local Government Finance Bill, from April 2013 councils would be responsible for administering CTB payments to vulnerable people. However, in localising the benefit, ministers have demanded that every council must slash its CTB budget by 10% – or £480m nationally in cash terms. Communities secretary, Eric Pickles, has said he expects the savings could be made through ‘back office' reconfigurations.