Issue - meetings

To agree consultation proposals for the local Council Tax Support scheme 2024/25 (report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151) enclosed.

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151) which requested that Cabinet agree consultation proposals for the local Council Tax Support scheme, 2024/25.

The Portfolio Holder – Finance, Commercialisation, UKSPF and Levelling Up presented the report, after which the following points were raised:

·       The report mentioned that the review provided the opportunity to simplify scheme administration – this was welcomed.

·       Under Financial Implications, it was noted that further investment may be required for software – the importance of IT was again stressed.

DECISION:

That consultation on continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for 2024/25 be approved.

(Other options considered:

·       To do nothing – this would see the current scheme retained without uprating.

Reasons for decision:

·       To continue to align the CTS scheme and uprating for working age customers with DWP provisions for Housing Benefit and the CTS scheme for pensioners.  This had been consistent each year since the introduction of the local scheme;

·       Additional analysis work as part of this year’s review added further emphasis to the need for a more fundamental scheme review, and work would being in the next few months with any resulting new scheme being implemented 2025/26).