Decision details

The Assembly will be asked to confirm the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2016/17.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Central Services introduced a report detailing the Council Tax Support Scheme 2016/17. There was a statutory duty on the Council to review the scheme on an annual basis. 

In response to questions from Councillor Gill, the Cabinet Member confirmed that:

·  The Council would implement a clear policy to ensure it could set its own criteria of whom would qualify for a discretionary reduction;

·  There had been no applications as yet; and

·  Whilst there had been a reduction from 85% to 75% in discretionary housing payments, this has not resulted in any noticeable reduction in Council Tax collection rates to date.

The Assembly resolved to agree that the Council Tax Support Scheme implemented for 2015/16 be retained for 2016/17, subject to the following minor amendments:

·  To adopt the same non-dependant deductions that apply to Universal Credit applicants;

·  Apply the lowest non-dependant deduction for those receiving work related or sickness benefits (to be specified);

·  To realign Council Tax Support with the Housing Benefit legislation so that entitlement ends on the Monday following the last day of entitlement.