Purpose

Report seeking approval to consult on the Council Tax Support Scheme.

Decision

Decision:

1. The Cabinet Member notes the findings and recommendations of the Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 28 July 2026 following its review of Council Tax Support and Discretionary Rate Relief, and the recommendations of that Committee set out in this report.
2. The Cabinet Member agrees to commence public consultation on potential revisions to the Council Tax Support Scheme for working-age claimants, seeking views on amending the maximum award level to 70%, 65%, 60% or 55%.
3. The Cabinet Member agrees that no changes to the Discretionary Rate Relief policy should be included in the consultation.
4. The Cabinet Member notes that the options would deliver different levels of saving against the £5 million currently assumed in the Medium-Term Financial Plan and that any shortfall would need to be addressed through the 2027/28 budget process.
5. The Cabinet Member notes that the consultation results, equality impact assessment and updated financial modelling will be reported to Cabinet before any recommendation on the 2027/28 scheme are recommended to Full Council.