Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

Councils are required to review their Council Tax Reduction scheme annually and determine whether to revise it or not. In October 2019 it was agreed for an annual, light touch review, to be delegated to Head of Service followed by consultation with preceptors and for a full review and comprehensive consultation in 2022 for the 2023-2026 Council Tax Reduction Schemes.

Decisions of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and Transformation

The Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and Transformation recommended to Council on 20 October 2022:

·      To continue with the current Council Tax Reduction scheme (to include annual uprating in line with housing benefit rates) for working age.

·      To reset the non-dependant deduction rates for both working-age schemes for 1 year from 1 April 2023 and to uprate by September CPI figures thereafter.

·      To continue with an earnings based banded local Council Tax Reduction scheme for Universal Credit claimants and to have fixed non dependant deductions for these claims.

·      To reset the earned income bands and contribution amounts set out in 4.03 Table 1 for 1 year from 1 April 2023 and to uprate by September CPI figures thereafter.

·      To align non-dependant deductions so the rules for application are the same for all schemes (prescribed Pensioner scheme and the two Local Schemes, one for Universal Credit households and one for non-Universal Credit households).

·      To not introduce a minimum contribution towards Council Tax for households on Local Council Tax Reduction.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Benefits Manager.

The Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any

Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.