Issue - meetings

A report from the Executive Director of Resources is attached.  (Key decision – reference number 5485)

Cllr Tim Leaver (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources, setting out proposals for the Council Tax Support Scheme for the financial year 2023/24.

It was a manifesto commitment to support the most vulnerable in society, and the administration had chosen to have a comprehensive Council Tax support scheme which would be equitable and would cover around a third of the borough’s residents. The scheme included the introduction of an earned income banded scheme for households in receipt of Universal Credit. There had been extensive consultation on the scheme.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed:

1. To recommend to Council to be held on the 23rd February that Council agrees the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2023/24 as summarised in Appendix A to provide financial support for households on low incomes in paying their Council Tax. The 2023/24 Scheme is largely based on the 2022/23 Scheme, updated for legislative amendments, income uprating and administrative changes. The Scheme also includes the introduction of an earned income banded Scheme for households in receipt of Universal Credit. This follows a Cabinet report in October 2022 to consult residents on this amendment to the Scheme. The results of this consultation are included within this report.

2.  For the 2023/24 Scheme:

a.  Minimum contribution for working age households not in a protected group will be maintained at 24.5%.

b.  Administrative and regulation changes set out in paragraph 19 and 20 will be incorporated into the Scheme.

3.  For the 2024/25 Scheme:

An additional income band will be added to the earned income banded Scheme as shown in Appendix B.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Key decision – reference number 5485)