Decision

The Officer introduced the second application, from a resident of the Kemble Ward, for support under Section 13A with Council Tax arrears of £65 relating to 2025/26 and with their Council Tax liability for 2026/27. The summary was as follows:

?     The property is a Band B dwelling occupied by a single resident already in receipt of the 25% Single Person Discount; the annual net Council Tax charge for 2026/27 is £1,360.47.

?     The applicant is in full-time employment in the adult social care sector, with a gross annual income of £40,800, reduced to approximately £20,000 net after income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, student loan repayments and child maintenance payments.

?     An income and expenditure assessment showed monthly expenditure of £2,317.72, driven substantially by rent of £1,000 per month, high oil heating costs, and vehicle running costs necessary for the applicant's employment.

Officers recommended a discretionary discount of £65 to clear the 2025/26 arrears, together with a discretionary discount equivalent to 50% of the applicant's net Council Tax liability for 2026/27 (£680.24).