Decision

The Scrutiny Committee Corporate and Strategic considered the Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation questions and RESOLVED to submit the following responses:

·       The Committee expressed concern regarding Proposal 6 (changes to discount bands from 100%, 50%, 25% and 10% to 60%, 40% and 20%) and noted that the reduction in discounts could have an adverse impact on vulnerable residents and contribute to an increase in council tax arrears.

·       The Committee expressed concern regarding Proposal 7 (restricting support to the council tax payable on a Band B property) and noted that a Band B threshold may be too low and could reduce support for a significant number of low-income households. The Committee indicated a preference for a Council Tax Band C threshold.

·       The Committee expressed concern in relation to Proposal 8 (minimum award of £5 per week) and requested that the final report address the potential administrative and societal impacts of the proposal, for example whether it could contribute to a wider incidence of low-value Council Tax debt amongst residents and the associated implications for the Council's collection and recovery processes.

·       The Committee requested that the rationale for Proposal 9 be expanded and supported by a clearer explanation of the evidence underpinning it, particularly in the context of national welfare policy changes and the cumulative impact these may have on affected residents.

·       The Committee requested that the final report include detailed financial modelling wherever possible, together with worked examples illustrating the cumulative impact of the proposals on households, including the interaction of multiple scheme changes, to provide Members with sufficient context to assess the potential impacts on residents.

·       The Committee agreed to reserve its position on the consultation proposals at this stage, pending consideration of the consultation results, detailed financial modelling and the final Council Tax Reduction Scheme proposals prior to their presentation to the Executive.