RESOLVED: That:

1.  The full Council be recommended to:

a.  Amend the grid amounts in line with the Department of Work and Pensions annual percentage increase of welfare benefits for 2024/25;

b.  Continue the scheme with the existing principles and percentage awards (maximum award of 80%) for 2024/25; and

2.  The progress of the income banded scheme be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services introduced the item and stated that the Council Tax Reduction Scheme was reviewed annually and that the only change recommended for 2024/25 was an increase in welfare bands which was in-line with the Department of Work and Pensions assessment of inflation. It was stated that Local Authorities had been responsible for council tax reduction schemes since 2013, and that the Council had conducted a review of its scheme in 2020 to coincide with the Government policy change to Universal Credit. The cost of living crisis was referenced, with it stated that as the scheme was funded by the borough’s taxpayers, a balance had to be struck.

In response to concerns that the full scheme had not been published with the report, the Cabinet Member stated that scheme’s banding and total costs were outlined in the report. Further clarification would be given outside of the meeting on the full scheme’s readiness for the next full Council meeting, and whether any further information needed to be provided to the Committee. 

The Committee expressed support for the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2024/25.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the CABINET:

1. To note the progress of the income banded scheme;

2. To consider recommending to Council that the scheme continues with the principles of the existing scheme and the percentage awards (maximum award of 80%) continue for 2024/25; and

3. To consider recommending to Council that the grid amounts be amended in-line with the DWP annual percentage increase of welfare benefits for 2024/25.