Issue - meetings

(A report of Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development and Section 151 Officer)

The Portfolio Holder – Finance presented the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25 report which sought Cabinet approval to be presented at Full Council on 4^th March 2024. Each year the Council is required to consider whether to revise its Council Tax Scheme.

Local Authorities have been required to level up local Council Tax Support Schemes to support low income households since 2011. Prior to this support was based on a National Council Tax Benefit Scheme delivered by Local Authorities but based on rules determined by Central Government. Regulations provide Councils with the flexibility to provide their own Local arrangements however, Government continues to provide the scheme for pensioners entitled to 100% of the support.

The Council currently provides up to 75% support for working age households, leaving at least 25% of the Annual Council Tax bill to be paid. The Scheme continued to protect War disabled pensioners and War widows providing up to 100% support.

Working age scheme expenditure in 2024 was predicted to be £1.925million.

Section 4 of the report recognised Care Leavers as one of the most vulnerable groups in society. The Council had provided a 100% reduction in Council Tax liability for this group between 18-21 years old. It was timely to recognise the duty it played to provide support for Care Leavers up to age 25. It was therefore proposed to simplify the scheme for care leavers to demonstrate the Council’s commitments to support the vulnerable group of Care Leaver’s ages 18-25, and that it should be included in the Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25.

Following questions from Members the Deputy Head of Revenues and Benefits (PSPS) confirmed that;

• When applications for other benefits are received individuals were automatically considered for Council Tax Support.
• The procurement for external support for the fundamental review was set to complete in March 2024, with suggestions following the review received by Summer time. This would allow a decision to be in place ahead of the 2025/26 Budget setting process.

Members expressed their support for the Care Leavers group recommendation.

It was confirmed that alternative ways of community engagement, specifically survey completion were being considered.

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet recommends Full Council approve the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25 as follows:-
   1. Continuation of the current Council Tax Support Scheme, including uprating in line with Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) annual update of allowances and premiums for 2024/25, and
   2. The introduction of a class for Care Leavers, up to the age of 25, within the scheme.
2. That Cabinet delegates approval for development of the 2024/25 final scheme policy to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, including administrative and minor changes.

That Cabinet notes a fundamental review of the scheme will be undertaken during 2024/25.