Purpose

An 8
week consultation has been carried out seeking views on changes to
the Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2026/27.  This report seeks approval to make changes to the
2026/27 scheme. 

Decision

RESOLVED –  That
Full Council be recommended

To keep the maximum percentage of Council Tax
Reduction for working-age claimants at 80% for 2026/27 be
approved.

That Bands 2 to 5 are not increased by 10% and stay
at the levels for the 2025/26 scheme, except for a percentage
increase to the income bands in line with the DWP annual percentage
uprating increase be approved.

That the minimum income floor is removed for
self-employed claimants be approved.

That the period of back-dating for working-age
claimants is increased from one month to a maximum period of twelve
months be approved.

That the compensation schemes are disregarded for
capital purposes be approved.

To increase the grid amounts in table 3 by the
DWP percentage increase for welfare benefits be
approved.

 
 
REASON FOR DECISION:  To continue with the new system that
has provided a simplified inbuilt claiming process covering a wide
range of income ranges.