Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director of Finance

Purpose of report

To enable members to consider the current banded scheme for Council Tax Reduction for 2023 -24

Recommendations

1.1     To note the contents of the report, and any financial implications for the Council

1.2     To recommend to Executive that the current scheme is retained for 2023/24.

Resolved

(1)       That the report and financial implications for the Council be noted.

(2)       That Executive be recommended to retain the current Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2023/24.

The Committee considered a report from the Assistant Director of Finance that detailed the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) and outlined options regarding the scheme for the 2023/24 financial year.

The Revenues and Benefits Manager explained that since the existing income banded scheme was introduced in April 2020, annual Council Tax collection rates had increased and 98% of Council Tax had been collected during the 2021/2022 financial year.

A banded scheme also helped reduce the amount of letters being sent to residents, as previously every change in income for a resident had a knock-ion effect to their council tax bill and benefits. Print and postage costs for the first quarter of 2022 were 27% lower than the first quarter in 2019, when the previous scheme was in place.

The Revenues and Benefits Manager explained that the existing scheme was understood by customers and provided more effective personal budgeting, which was extremely important in the current financial climate.

In response to questions from the Committee regarding a possible increase in workload related to the current financial climate, the Revenues and Benefits Manager advised that a help page had been set up on the council’s website to signpost various support schemes and advisory authorities that residents may find useful.

It was proposed by Councillor Donna Ford and seconded by Councillor Douglas Webb that Executive be recommended to retain the current Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2023/24.     

Resolved

(1)       That the report and financial implications for the Council be noted.

(2)       That Executive be recommended to retain the current Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2023/24.