Agenda item

Kevin Stewart, Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits introduced the report. He noted that the Council Tax Support Scheme was very complex, but as members previously had a presentation on the details of it, it would not be necessary to recount the full details. He advised that the Committee only needed to consider the feedback including any proposed changes which had arisen from the 8 week consultation period which had involved contacting food banks, West Sussex County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, residents including those currently in receipt of Council Tax Support, registered social landlords, Citizens Advice, Stepchange, the Jobcentre, online forms, stakeholder group meetings and a presentation at a national Conference. The Business Unit Leader confirmed there had been 8 responses: 6 from residents, 1 from Citizens Advice, and 1 from the Police Crime and Commissioner.  The Committee were informed that while the number of responses was low, Citizens Advice and the Police Crime and Commissioner were representative of many customers.

The Business Unit Leader advised that 28 other councils had introduced a banded Council Tax Support Scheme successfully, including two East Sussex County Council authorities.  He noted from his knowledge that around 100 other councils were looking to implement a banded Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21. He commented that this would benefit many people by making the system more transparent and simpler for everyone.  The Committee were informed that customers on low income or universal credit would benefit as their income can change monthly.  He highlighted that this system would prevent monthly changes to council tax bills and would provide a consistent figure for the year. The Business Unit Leader noted that this would reduce the administrative workload for the Revenues and Benefits team. He explained that the only change from the last meeting was the delay of the minimum income floor by one year. He confirmed that the responses were generally supportive, with a number of factors being discussed such as the impact of those caring for disabled children, and the impact of simplifying the system would bring it in line with the current housing benefit system.

Members discussed the minimum income floor, and the dates which customers would be informed of the changes affecting them and the Revenues and Benefits’ team role in supporting those people.

A Member enquired whether an independent consultant would be able to assist the Committee, and how the complexities of the regulations surrounding housing benefit, council tax, council tax support and universal credit interact.  This was discussed and as the Business Unit Leader was knowledgeable and experienced on the topic it was decided that the expertise of the officers was sufficient to assist the Committee.

A Member asked for clarification that those affected or wanting to seek further information were able to discuss the impact and effects of the new scheme. The Business Unit Leader noted that those affected had been contacted, and would be able to discuss changes and impacts. The Business Unit Leader gave an assurance that this work on contacting and helping customers affected would continue.

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

RESOLVED

The Committee agreed that all aspects of the proposed new Council Tax Support Scheme as detailed in Appendix B and C are recommended for adoption by Council on 18th December 2019.