Issue - meetings

To determine the Council Tax Support Scheme, 2026/27 (report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) enclosed).

The Leader introduced the report and advised that by way of background, the Council must review its scheme for working age claimants each year and consult with major precepting authorities and interested parties.

The scheme for pensioners is set by the Government and cannot be changed by the Council.  

The Leader advised that after consideration earlier in the year to the current economic challenges and the impact that a reduction in the scheme would have on working age claimant households, Cabinet decided to consult on continuation of the current working age Council Tax Support scheme, providing a maximum level of support of 85% for households with children, and 75% for all other households.  

The Leader advised that the consultation ran between 23 September to 8 November 2025 and of the 29 responses received 61% agreed that the council should retain the current level of support.  He noted that whilst 29% did not agree, views were divided: some favoured maintaining or increasing support, while others saw the system as unfair or too generous.  

The full consultation report was provided at Appendix 1 to the report.

It was noted that the response rate of 29 was disappointing given the size of the district. Members felt that consideration should be given to how future surveys could encourage greater participation and engagement. It was acknowledged that this had always been a challenging area in which to secure responses. The subject matter was not widely understood by the public, which may have contributed to the low engagement. Members agreed that it was the role of councillors to ensure that information was presented as clearly as possible. Despite efforts to promote the survey through various channels, engagement remained difficult.

Members concluded that, while further work could be explored, the outcome was reflective of the challenges inherent in this area.

DECISION:

1.    That Cabinet recommends that Full Council approve continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, uprated in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums, for 2026/27.

2.    That Cabinet delegates approval for developing the 2026/27 scheme rules in accordance with recommendation 1 above to the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance as appropriate, including prescribed, administrative and minor changes.

(Other Options Considered)

·         Options were considered previously by Cabinet, leading to consultation on a continuation scheme

Reasons for Decision:

·         Full Council must make any revision to its scheme, or any replacement, and agree its final scheme no later than 11th March 2026 in respect of the 2026/27 financial year.

·         The recommendation has regard to the earlier deliberations of the Cabinet, and the outcome of the consultation process for a continuation scheme.

·         Uprating in line with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will ensure the scheme continues to support the most vulnerable and low-income households by using nationally recognised rates of DWP income.