Issue - meetings

The Financial Support Manager presented the draft Council Tax Support Scheme and Wider Support Framework for Members’ consideration.  Members were advised that there were a number of drivers for change including the proposed changes to the scheme that had been made following the Care Leavers Scrutiny Task Group’s review of arrangements.  The roll out of Universal Credit across the Borough had also been taken into account.  People in receipt of Universal Credit were entitled to receive a review of their finances on a monthly basis which had implications for Council Tax.  The existing scheme required significant administration to enable staff to manage the demand arising through Universal Credit.  The new arrangements proposed in the draft Council Tax Support scheme would place a less onerous administrative burden on staff.

Members noted that the introduction of Universal Credit had impacted on both residents and Council Services.  Universal Credit could be quite complex, with some recipients receiving different assessments multiple times in a year.  The proposed changes to the scheme could help to address these problems.  Members also praised the Council’s Hardship Fund, noting that this could provide a lifeline for residents experiencing difficult circumstances.

During consideration of this item the Chair noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had pre-scrutinised the report and had supported the proposal detailed in the report from officers.

RESOLVED that

to undertake a formal consultation with the major preceptors and the public on the proposed design of a revised scheme to take place for 8 weeks from 1^st October.  The results of the consultation will be presented to Overview and Scrutiny and Executive in January when it will consider any recommendations that will go to full Council in February.