To determine the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.

A report was presented to determine the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.  This report sought Council approval of the Executive Board decision on the final proposals for the 2026/27 Local Council Tax Support scheme.

During his introduction, the Portfolio Holder for Finance referred to the background to the report, the 2026/27 Scheme Consultation and the 2026/27 Scheme Post-Consultation Considerations as set out at Sections 1 to 3 of the report, pages 48 to 50 of the Agenda refer.  The full consultation report was shown at Appendix 1, pages 55 to 60 of the Agenda refers.

The recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

A Member expressed general support for the proposal but suggested that if the Council was to seek public views, greater effort should be made to secure a higher level of engagement.  They noted that while the feedback received had been insightful, the total of 58 responses was statistically insignificant, particularly given the detailed four?page analysis that had followed.  They considered that improved promotion would help strengthen the Council’s evidence base and assist in informing and educating the community about the aims of such initiatives and encouraged the Council to explore ways to increase participation in future consultation exercises.

A Member, referring to comments regarding the low number of consultation responses, asked whether it would be possible to enclose a questionnaire with the forthcoming Council Tax bills.  They noted that residents were more likely to read their Council Tax documentation and that this could help raise awareness of available support.  They added that, while various engagement methods had been used, there remained a reliance on social media which many Council Tax payers did not use.

A further comment was made on the number of consultation responses, highlighting that public engagement was consistently low in similar exercises, including the Local Government Reorganisation consultation, which had attracted fewer than 500 responses across three authorities.  The Member stated that from her marketing background, the 58 responses received were typical, reflecting general public apathy and a perception that participation brought little personal benefit or influence.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged that response rates to consultations were consistently challenging, noting that surveys such as the budget consultation also typically attracted low engagement.  He accepted the point that the Council should consider alternative or more innovative methods to improve participation, but reiterated that historically response levels had not been strong.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance acknowledged the 58 consultation responses and stated that while wider engagement would always enhance the evidence base for decision?making, the Council must act on the information available and emphasised that the Council was in the fortunate financial position to support those most in need.

A Member expressed full support for retaining the 85% Council Tax Support relief for working?age claimants.  They referred to the example on page 59 on the Agenda, highlighting a Universal Credit claimant paying 57% of their monthly income on housing costs, and noted that such figures were typical and in some cases even lower than reality, in areas such as Louth.  They emphasised that high private rental costs were a major contributor to the current cost?of?living pressures faced by residents and stated that resisting housebuilding risked perpetuating these challenges, thereby leaving many residents in ongoing financial difficulty.  While acknowledging the value of the proposed Council Tax support, they stressed that the most important action the Council could take was to prioritise the delivery of new housing across the district, which they regarded as essential.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group concurred with comments made and offered her support for the paper.  She acknowledged that poverty remained widespread and noted that the Council recognised its responsibility to support those in need, doing so within its means and without wasting public funds.

In summary, the Portfolio Holder for Finance thanked Members for their supportive comments.  He acknowledged the points raised regarding development and the prevalence of poverty and stated that it was widely recognised that the Council sought to do whatever it could within its remit, to support those in need.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Board recommendation for continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, providing a maximum level of support of 85% for households with children and 75% for other households, uprated in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for 2026/27 be approved.