Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council agree that the scheme in place for the current year continue for 2026-27.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought Member’s agreement on the Local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme for working age residents for 2026-27, which Members were required to agree the working age scheme rules annually.

Particular reference was made to the annual report which was required for approval before the start of the next financial year. The scheme provided council tax reductions for care leavers and working age residents on low incomes and no changes were proposed to the scheme for the upcoming year, which would mirror the current structure.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and

Questions:

·        clarification was sought on whether the figure of 79 individuals referred to total individuals receiving support or specifically care leavers;

·        £4.6 million had been provided to 4,300 households, which highlighted significant support given; and

·        the migration of working-age claims to Universal Credit, which was due to be completed before April 2026; and

·        clarification and details was sought on the 97% of the council’s working age council tax support households who were now receiving Universal Credit.

In response to questions raised by Executive Members, the Head of Service Finance advised that:

·      79 individual care leavers had received support since the scheme change in April 2024, covering two financial years; and

·      the migration of working-age claims to Universal Credit was nearly complete and had increased administrative workload, as complex means-tested assessments were required for claimants that had migrated to Universal Credit.

The Chair requested that questions relating to ongoing promotion of Pension Credit following last year’s government threshold change and the interaction with the Winter Fuel Allowance be provided as a written response.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor

Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council agree that the scheme in place for the current year continue for 2026-27.