Decision details

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Noted the cost of the scheme was currently £9.18m noting that this is not an actual cost but a reduction of the amount of council tax collected.

(2)   Noted that the Discretionary Exceptional Hardship Scheme, previously agreed to provide additional transitional support would continue to be used to support cases of exceptional hardship.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:  That the continuation of the banded scheme for working age applicants which remains largely unchanged for 2025/2026, a small adjustment to the income bands to reflect CPI has been incorporated to ensure the scheme continues to support those most in need.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION:  To ensure that the Council has a Council Tax Reduction Scheme that continues to:

·       Provide the greatest support to the lowest income households.

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

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