Issue - meetings

To determine the Council Tax Support scheme 2025/26 (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 determination of the Council Tax Support scheme 2025/26

The Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report, and consideration was given to its content.

DECISION:

1.          That the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26 be revised with all of the following modification options:

a.     Increase the maximum CTS for households with children to 85%.

b.     Remove the earnings disregard to Universal Credit claims.

c.     Introduce a standard £10 rate for non-dependant deductions.

d.     Increase Lower and Upper capital limits.

e.     Increase the threshold for changes in Universal Credit to £30 per week, with discretion for flexibility.

f.      Uprate in line with DWP uprating amounts for 2025/26.

2.          That the Cabinet decision be recommended to Full Council for approval.

3.          That approval for the 2025/26 final scheme policy be delegated to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, including administrative and minor changes.

4.          That an Exceptional Hardship Fund be introduced to operate alongside the Council Tax Support scheme.

5.          That decision on the Exceptional Hardship Fund budget and scheme detail be delegated to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance

(Other options considered:

·       The do-nothing option would see the current scheme retained.  This has been rejected as this would not be consistent with Cabinet’s earlier decision for fundamental review.

Reasons for decision:

·       Full Council must make any revision to its scheme, or any replacement, and agree its final scheme no later than 11 March 2025 in respect of the 2025/26 financial year. 

·       Cabinet’s decision on its recommendation to Full Council for the 2025/26 scheme will reflect on the data and information provided through the fundamental review, and the results of consultation on its proposed modification options).