Consultation on Potential Reduction - Council Tax Support Scheme
October 1, 2026 Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance (Cabinet member) Key decision Approved View on council websiteThis summary is generated by AI from the council’s published record and supporting documents. Check the full council record and source link before relying on it.
Summary
The Cabinet Member for Enforcement approved the Food Safety Service Plan 2026-27 on 26/08/2026. The plan outlines how Westminster City Council will meet its statutory obligations for food law enforcement. It includes a food inspection plan, premises profile, backlog plan for category D inspections, and proactive projects on grey market goods, acrylamide, and the Healthy Start Scheme.
The Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance approved entering into a new lease and associated documents with St Vincent's Catholic School on 2 July 2026. This secures the continuation of school places and enables the school to convert to an academy. The Council will remain liable for a ground rent of £700 per annum.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration approved the award of contracts for Women's Services (Housing Needs) on 30 June 2026. Contracts were awarded to St Mungo's Community Housing Association for Lot 1, The Riverside Group Limited for Lot 2, and Refuge for Lot 3. These contracts provide accommodation-based support services for women experiencing violence against women and girls, mental health issues, or domestic abuse.
The Cabinet Member for Value for Money & Finance approved the extension of commercial credit/debit card fee recovery to all applicable Council services on 17 September 2026. This decision allows the Council to recover transaction fees from payers using commercial cards, based on the average charge fee. The recharge rate will be reviewed annually.
The Cabinet Member for Children and Education approved the contract awards for strategic consultants for the Bi-borough Schools Capital Programme on 2 September 2026. AtkinsRealis UK Limited was appointed as Strategic Architect Consultant, Gardiner & Theobald LLP as Strategic Project Management Consultant, and Pick Everard as Strategic Cost Consultant. These contracts will support school construction projects and include specialist input for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Full council record
Purpose
The Cabinet Member will consider approval to proceed to a consultation process in relation to a potential reduction in the Council’s current 100% Council Tax Support scheme.
Decision
Decision Taken: The Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance has approved the launch of a consultation with the City’s existing working age Council Tax Support scheme claimants and interested parties as set out in this report in respect of a potential change to the scheme from 1 April 2027.
Reason for Decision: The Council is required to undertake consultation before making any significant changes to its council tax support scheme. Approving the consultation will enable residents, stakeholders, and partner organisations to provide feedback on potential options for a revised scheme, ensuring that any future decision is evidence-based, takes account of the potential impacts on residents, including equality considerations, and enables the council to target support at those households in greatest need.
Supporting Documents
Details
| Reference | Call-ins |
| Outcome | Recommendations Approved |
| Decision date | 1 Oct 2026 |
| Effective from | 4 Sep 2026 |
| Plan published | 23 Oct 2026 |