Decision details

To approve the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2019/20.

The Cabinet Member with the Efficiency and Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the draft Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme for 2019/20 (also previously circulated).

The submitted report stated that since 2013 the previous national Council Tax Benefit (CTB) had been replaced with the local Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme; the Council was required to design and publish a new CTS scheme each year, in time to implement for annual Council Tax billing; and that no significant changes were recommended for the 2019/20 CTS scheme.

RESOLVED - That the draft Council Tax Support Scheme for 2019/20, as appended to the submitted report, be recommended to Council for consideration and adoption, including:-

      (i)          continuing to provide up to 100 per cent Council Tax Support for care leavers under the age of 25, and

     (ii)          continuing to provide up to 80 per cent Council Tax Support for all other working aged people

REASONS – (a)  The Council is required to publish a local CTS scheme for 2019/20 by 11 March 2019.

(b)  The CTS schemes since 2013/14 have all been implemented successfully without any major challenges.

(c)  The continued application of a reduced entitlement for working aged people is still appropriate, given the current financial position of the Council.?????