Issue - meetings

1)  That the findings of the review of the current council tax reduction scheme that was jointly undertaken with other Kent authorities be noted;

2)  That the potential impact of the proposed changes to the scheme on working age claimants with the protected characteristics of disability, age and sex, under the Equalities Act (2010) be noted;

3)  That authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to finalise and commence consultation on the council tax reduction scheme to be implemented for 2017/18.

The Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service, Stephen McGinnes, presented the report setting out details of, and a public consultation on, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2017/2018.

Mr McGinnes explained that:

·  The review of Maidstone’s Council Tax Benefit Scheme had been undertaken jointly with other Kent districts, with a focus on reducing costs and protecting the most vulnerable residents.

·  The level of alignment required between Council Tax and Housing Benefit schemes made some changes difficult without passing additional costs onto residents. This situation was expected to change once Universal Credit had phased out Housing Benefit.

In response to questions the committee was advised that:

·  Additional income would be sought from low income households under the revised scheme. This was because there was no longer any funding available from central government towards council tax support schemes, and this was impacting on the council’s budget.

·  The consultation would be issued by email to 2000 people who were in receipt of Council Tax Support, which comprised approximately half of all claimants. Papers copies would also be made available, and agencies such as housing associations would be contacted for advice on further engagement.

·  The number of claimants of Council Tax Support had reduced, and the collection rate for council tax among those in receipt of Council Tax Support had risen to 75-80%.

·  Kent County Council (KCC) funding had been rolled over but negotiations were ongoing. KCC would contribute towards the cost of administration of the scheme. The scheme would be cost neutral if the proposed changes were implemented.

RESOLVED:

1)  That the findings of the review of the current council tax reduction scheme that was jointly undertaken with other Kent authorities be noted;

2)  That the potential impact of the proposed changes to the scheme on working age claimants with the protected characteristics of disability, age and sex, under the Equalities Act (2010) be noted;

3)  That authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to finalise and commence consultation on the council tax reduction scheme to be implemented for 2017/18.

For – 11  Against – 4    Abstain - 0