Decision details

RESOLVED: That the Committee note and comment on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2023/24

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That Cabinet:

(1)   Note a full review is well underway and consultation with the public and Major Precepting Authorities will run for six weeks from 05 September 2022

(2)   Note progress made so far on the review and the intention is to introduce a new banded scheme for working age applicants from 01 April 2023

(3)   Note intention of review is to introduce a new scheme that will enable us to increase overall level of support for lowest income families and reduce administrative burden on Council, as well as making the scheme easier for our customers to understand and calculate entitlement

(4)   Note that modelling the new scheme may increase the costs from those of the current scheme

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council has a fit for purpose Council Tax Reduction Scheme that:

·        Provides the greatest support to the lowest income households

·        Reduces the administrative burden that has been placed on the Council since the introduction of Universal Credit (UC)

·        Is simple to understand, meaning that customers will be able to calculate entitlement and assess the impact of potential changes in circumstances.