To determine the Council Tax Support Scheme, 2024/25.

1.       That Full Council be recommended to approve: - 

i)        the continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for 2024/25, and

ii)        the provision for Care Leaver support under this scheme to be increased to age 25.

2.       That approval of the 2024/25 final scheme policy be delegated by Executive Board to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, including administrative and minor changes.

A report was presented that sought an Executive Board decision on the final proposals for the 2024/25 Council Tax Support scheme, to be presented to Council for approval on 28 February 2024.

During his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Finance referred to:

·       The background to the report detailed at paragraph 1

·       The current economic position relating to the cost of living detailed at paragraph 2

·       The consultation requirements of the scheme which took place between 3 October 2023 and 17 November 2023 - High level findings were summarised at paragraph 3

·       Provision for Care Leavers detailed at paragraph 4

During discussion Members fully endorsed the recommendations, particularly support provided through the scheme to the most vulnerable residents.

RESOLVED

1.       That Full Council be recommended to approve: - 

i)        The continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for 2024/25, and

ii)        The provision for Care Leaver support under this scheme to be increased to age 25.

2.       That approval of the 2024/25 final scheme policy be delegated by Executive Board to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, including administrative and minor changes.

Reasons:

Full Council must make any revision to its scheme, or any replacement, and agree its final scheme no later than 11 March 2023 in respect of the 2024/25 financial year. 

Continuation of the current scheme will align the CTS scheme and uprating for working age customers with DWP provisions for Housing Benefit and the CTS scheme for pensioners.  This has been consistent each year since the introduction of the local scheme, and will maintain that position for 2024/25, pending a fundamental review of the scheme for future years. 

Other options:

The ‘do nothing’ option was considered, which would see the current scheme retained without uprating.