http://new.hbinfo.org/forums/topics/last-minute-hand-out#new 

Over the last few days, the media has been full of stories about a "rethink" by the Secretary of State. The prospect of huge cuts in benefit paid to working families and an increase in  write-offs is suggested as the reasons for this.

An article in the Guardian summarises the position:

Local authorities expect half of poor residents to refuse to pay council tax

A Government anouncement is expected this week on extra funding. Whether this will require changes to schemes and / or further consultation is as yet unclear.