The government has stated its intention to rename Council Tax Benefit as Council Tax Rebate to encourage eligible pensioners to apply. The Works and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said

"Changing the name makes it clearer that many pensioners are entitled to this money back on their council tax rather than seeing it as a separate benefit that they may not want to claim. We've listened to the Royal British Legion and others who've called for this change. This is part of making sure people get proper support and respect when they retire."

Council Tax Benefit is a means tested payment to help people pay their council tax. The latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures (2007-8) estimate that between 47% and 38% of pensioners who were eligible to claim didn’t.  The Government will consult with local councils, The British Legion and other organisation before it sets out its timetable for implementing the change.