Issue - meetings

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4863)

 (Report No.43)

(7.40 – 7.45 pm)

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources (No.43) outlining options to amend the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21, including the preferred option, which would be subject to a public consultation in the summer of 2019.

NOTED

1.            The detailed background to the support provided and the proposals going forward as set out in the report and outlined to Members.

2.            The proposals would provide further assistance to the most vulnerable residents in the Borough to pay their Council Tax requirements. The proposals for consultation were as set out in section 5 of the report and reflected in the decisions below. The impact on residents and on the Council budget were detailed in the report and explained to Members.

3.            The statutory consultation process as detailed in section 6 of the report and discussed at the meeting. As specified in legal advice, the consultation would include the preferred proposals outlined in the report and the no change option. A further report would be presented to a future Cabinet meeting to enable any changes to be agreed and implemented with effect from 2020/21.

4.            That reassurances were provided that the discretionary Council Tax Hardship Scheme would be maintained, section 4 of the report referred.

5.            The clear political commitment by the Council’s Labour administration to help those residents on the lowest incomes and support the most vulnerable. The proposals had been discussed in detail.

6.            In response to questions raised, Members were advised how Enfield compared with other local authorities in the support provided through Council tax support.

7.            That any resulting budget implications would be incorporated within the 2020/21 budget proposals.  

Alternative Options Considered: As set out in the main body of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed the preferred council tax support scheme change for 2020/21 to be the subject of public consultation as:

1.            Reducing the maximum council tax support limit for working age claimants from 26.5% to 24.5% and increasing the excess income taper from 20% to 22.5%, and

2.            Reduce the earned income threshold for working age council tax support claimants receiving Universal Credit from £1,265 to £1,100 per month.

Reason: The recommendations follow an assessment of options, experience of operating the scheme to date and the Equality Impact Assessment. The recommended changes introduced in 2014 for defined protected groups and the further extension of care leavers under the Equality Impact Assessment support the Council’s aims to build strong, stable communities and were recommended to be continued next year.

(Key decision – reference number 4906)