Purpose

To agree consultation options for the local
Council Tax Support Scheme, 2026/27.

Decision

Resolved:
 
1.    
That the following options be consulted on: -
 

·      
Option 1 - Retain the current maximum level of support for
Households with Children 100% and Other Households 85% and find
savings elsewhere.

·      
Option 2 – Reduce the maximum level of support to 90% to
lone parents, 80% to couples with children and 75% for all other
households.

·      
Option 3 – Reduce the maximum level of support to 90% to
lone parents, 80% to couples with children and 70% for all other
households; and
 
2.    
That oversight and approval of the consultation approach be
delegated to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the
Portfolio Holder for Finance.

Reasons for the decision

This will enable a period of consultation with
major preceptors and the public on the scheme options for 2026/27,
with feedback from the consultation process helping Cabinet to make
its final recommendation to Full Council in respect of the scheme
for 2026/27.

Alternative options considered

Options to reduce the support in the current
scheme groups, i.e. households with children, and other households
were considered but rejected in favour of considering options that
maintain a higher level of support for lone parent households.