Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet received a report recommending retention of the current council tax support scheme for next year which for working aged claimants on maximum benefit paying just 8.5% of their council tax bill.    Officers advised that the Council would need to consider whether to implement a scheme in 2027/28 or wait until Local Government Reorganisation is implemented in Hertfordshire depending on the timetable.  The report detailed the very different Council Tax Support Schemes adopted across the County which could impact on residents once the new Unitary Authority was in place.   Members were pleased to note that Elderly CTS claimants were protected in law from any restriction to the liability used in CTS calculations. Their awards would always be based on 100% of the council tax charge.   It was RESOLVED:   1.    That the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2026/27 be retained; 2.    That the implementation of a Banded CTS scheme for 2027/28 be supported; 3.    That a policy Overview and Scrutiny meeting be held in line with the review timetable to continue to consider a revised discount scheme as a result of the ongoing reduction in the number of Housing Benefit caseload due to the transitioning to Universal Credit; 4.    That the directive contained in the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to disregard, in full, awards of War Widows, War Disablement and Armed Forces Compensation when determining entitlement for housing benefit and/or council tax support be re-approved.