Issue - meetings

To consider the latest available information around the current local Stevenage Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme for 2025/26.

Cabinet received a report on the Council Tax Support Scheme.

In moving the report, the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation advised that for next year it was proposed that the scheme remained the same except for any benefit uprating. 

For 2026/27, however, it was proposed to change the scheme to a banded one so that when small changes to claimant’s income occurred it would not impact on the amount of claimable council tax support.  Consultation would be undertaken with the Police, County Council and Council Tax payers and the proposals would be considered thoroughly to make sure there were no unintended consequences.  The cost of the scheme would be approximately £33thousand and it was intended that other preceptors, the County Council and the Police would be asked to contribute.

Members welcomed the planned revision of the Scheme which would make it easier for residents to pay their Council tax and for the Council to collect it.  Members also thanked the Strategic Director (CF) and the Finance Team for their due diligence and work on considering changes to the scheme.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2025/26 be retained;

2.         That a policy Overview and Scrutiny meeting be held to consider a revised discount scheme as a result of the number of Housing Benefit caseload transitioning to Universal Credit in line with the timetable set out in Para 4.5.1.

3.         That the use of the directive contained in the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to disregard, in full, awards of War Widows, War Disablement and Armed Forces Compensation when determining entitlement for housing benefit and/or council tax support be re-approved.

4.         That the £33,250 for inclusion in the General Fund budget as set out in paragraph 4.3.2 be approved.