Decision

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices the Executive Mayor and Cabinet RESOLVED:

1. 2.1 to agree to a statutory consultation on changes to the Council Tax Reduction (Support) Scheme for working age claimants from 1 April 2027, as set out in this report.
2. 2.2 to agree that the potential changes to be consulted on will include:

a) Reducing the maximum percentage award for working age disabled residents currently not in employment;

b) Reducing the maximum percentage award for working age residents who are lone parents to a child under 5 years old;

c) Reducing the maximum percentage award for working age residents currently not in any protected group;

d) Reducing the earnings disregard for disabled working claimants; Page 267

e) Reducing the band cap from D to C and/or introducing a band cap for disabled not working residents;

f) Changing the criteria of who is included in the disabled not working protected group;

g) Changing the capital limit;

h) Consider disregarding income from war disablement pensions or compensation schemes; and

i) The introduction of transitional arrangements and/or an increase to the current Council Tax Hardship Scheme.