Issue - meetings

To adopt a Localised Council Tax Reduction Scheme which will ensure that all working age Borough residents who may experience financial difficulties in paying their council tax liabilities have access to a scheme of assistance, designed locally, offering financial help to them.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the Council agree the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2022/23:

1)              a local CTR scheme for 2022/23 is adopted on the same basis as the 2021/22;

2)              that the full disregard currently allowed for War Widows and War Disability Pensions is continued from 1^st April 2022 in respect of the Prescribed and Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Housing Benefit schemes;

3)              that funds be made available to the hardship fund, known as Section 13a (S13a) scheme, for those who cannot pay their council tax liabilities;

4)              Members to note the linkages to the broader Anti-Poverty strategy of both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the S13a scheme.

The Council considered a report on the proposed adoption of a Localised Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS). The scheme would ensure that all working age Borough residents who may experience financial difficulties in paying their Council Tax liabilities have access to local assistance, offering financial help.

Rachel Burgess stated that funding for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme had reduced steadily since 2013, when Council Tax benefit was abolished, and there remained a number of additional levers which could be applied to increase the number of people receiving support.

Maria Gee stated that the impact of the looming cost of living crisis would result in more residents struggling to pay their Council Tax. She suggested that the scheme be referred to the Anti-Poverty Working Group as part of a joined-up approach to helping the most vulnerable residents.

It was proposed by John Kaiser and seconded by John Halsall, that the recommendations in the report be approved.

Upon being put to the vote, the voting was as follows:

RESOLVED That:

1)     a local CTR scheme for 2022/23 be adopted on the same basis as the 2021/22 scheme;

2)     the full disregard currently allowed for War Widows and War Disability Pensions be continued from 1^st April 2022 in respect of the Prescribed and Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Housing Benefit schemes;

3)     funds be made available to the Hardship Fund, known as Section 13a (S13a) scheme, for those who cannot pay their Council Tax liabilities;

4)     Members note the linkages to the broader Anti-Poverty Strategy of both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the S13a Scheme.