Changes to council tax benefits will affect 33,000 households in Bradford, half of which have children, councillors heard last night.

Council leader Ian Greenwood was taking part in a debate on Government reforms which will see local authorities taking on the responsibility for a localised benefit scheme for council tax from 2013.

Based on last year’s claims, the ten per cent cut in Government funding would mean a loss of £4 million a year in support to people across Bradford.

In tabling his motion at a meeting of full council, Coun Greenwood said the moves were part of a “perfect storm of an attack on the poor”.

He added that as pensioners are protected from cuts in support, the remaining claimants would be hit harder.

“We are talking about groups of people who through no fault of there own are in a difficult situation and we either cut the services that we are providing to them more and more and more, or we cut their benefit more and more and more. It can’t be right.

“There are 33,000 households that will be hit unless we cut services, or they may well have their benefits reduced unless we pour massive amounts of money into the system.”

The motion was passed by all but the Conservatives and calls for public consultation to be carried out, making clear the full effect of all the available options.

Bradford Council’s director of finance will now be asked to write a report on the implications for the Council of the localisation of council tax benefit in the context of wider welfare reforms, making clear any financial risks associated with the changes.

The Council has also committed itself to working with its partners in an effort to mitigate the impact of the changes on local people.

Conservative group leader Councillor Glen Miller said that this was the Government giving more control to local authorities, which Coun Greenwood has previously called for, but that the ruling Labour group now did not like what was being offered.

He added that they should be factoring the costs into their budget and that money being held in reserve was available. He also said that one way the Council could make savings towards the £4m was to stop paying union officials, which would release £500,000.

Currently the benefit is administered by local authorities under national regulations and is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. The proposals would see councils controlling the policy while continuing to be responsible for council tax rates and collection.

Council tax benefit is available to those on low incomes and 56,000 people claim the benefit in Bradford.