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Council:
 

Agreed that the
proposed income banded Council Tax Support Scheme be continued
whereby the maximum award available to working aged people
receiving support remains at 85% for the Council Tax billing year 1
April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Agreed that the
Council continue to make £750,000 available for a
Discretionary Hardship Fund under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local
Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by the Local Government
Finance Act 2012, to offer additional help and support to those
suffering the greatest financial hardship as defined in the
Discretionary Housing Payment and Council Tax Hardship Scheme
published on the Council’s website. The current scheme is
attached at (Appendix 2).
Agreed there be delegated authority to make any minor and
consequential changes necessary to the detailed provision
as a result of any changes in the
regulations upon which the scheme is based, is given to the
Strategic Director of Resources following consultation with the
Portfolio Lead Member for Finance and Resources.
Noted that the
income banded scheme treat earnings and self-employed earnings as
income to determine a households level
of income against the proposed income bands. All other income
should be disregarded.
Noted that the
scheme will continue with two charges for non-dependant adults
within households. £20pw for those in work & £8pw
for those out of work.
Noted working-age residents would be entitled to support of up to a
maximum of 85%, depending on a person’s level of income,
household composition and level of capital and whether they fall
within one of the protected groups: households with limited
capability to work; households with children aged 5 and
under.
Noted other eligible working-age residents, support would be given up
to a maximum of 57%, depending on their level of income, household
composition and level of capital.
Noted that the
remaining provisions of the Council’s scheme for 2026/27 will
be as published on the Council’s website.
Noted that the
projected cost of the whole scheme is identified as £19.53
million which is £0.93 million more than the current scheme.
This will be reflected in the calculation of the council tax base
for 2026/27 and included within the next MTFS as part of the budget
setting process.
Noted that before
any significant changes to the scheme reducing or removing support
could be made that a statutory consultation would need to be
carried out.