Agenda item

Introduction of a Banded Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21.

Minutes:

Kevin Stewart, Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits, introduced the report noting that the proposed Council Tax Support Banded Income Scheme would simplify Council Tax Support, making it more transparent for customers. He acknowledged that the subject was complex and explained the background of the changes proposed, including the groups which would not be affected by the changes such as older people, vulnerable people, and those with a child under 5 years old. He also explained that these changes would align the Council Tax Support scheme with the housing benefit system. The Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits outlined the potential for marking claiming for and receiving Council Tax Support easier, by using the details already collected for Universal Credit by the Department for Work and Pensions.

 

The Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits explained that the consultation period would begin on Friday 6th September 2019 and would involve key stakeholders, including Citizens Advice, registered social landlords, and people who would be affected. It is proposed that the Council Tax Support Banded Income Scheme, will if approved be introduced in April 2020, with billing to start at the end of February.

           

The Members discussed the cost to the Council of the new scheme, and enquired about the impact on those affected. A Member enquired about the funds and support that would be available to those who would be affected by the introduction of the Council Tax Support Scheme. The Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits highlighted that part of the consultation would involve speaking to those affected to ensure they would be able to access any help needed, and officers would work to aid individuals by assessing each case and looking to provide hardship funds to those requiring it. He agreed to provide a written response to the committee with the percentages of people affected. He noted that according to current calculations the change would cost the Council and additional £9,000, but did note that this was based on the present needs and may change before April 2020. A Member suggested adding further information in a supplementary information guide to aid understanding of the complex procedures, and the Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits responded that he would try and make the information as accessible to people as possible for the consultation.

 

The Members discussed the Equality Impact Assessment in Appendix C. One Member asked for clarification on the method used to assess impact across different groups, including lower income households and women and men. The Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits explained that the impact assessment had shown areas in which the Council would need to offer more support, and that the Revenues and Benefits team’s aim was to assist people in ensuring they receive the right amount of support, and would take care in collecting and enforcing the council tax in any support case affected. 

 

A Member commented on the work of the Council to ensure the constituents had access to advice and aid, another Member agreed this was very important.

 

The Chairman took Members to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

 

RESOLVED

 

The Committee agreed that the new Council Tax Support Scheme would be put forward for public consultation.

 

 

 

Supporting documents: