Agenda item

Council Tax Support Scheme 2020/21

Decision:

(a)  That a new banded income Council Tax Support Scheme be adopted by Slough Borough Council for the 2020-21 financial year.

 

(b)  That the Council Tax Support scheme as detailed in Appendix A to the report be approved for 2020-21.

 

(c)  That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer to approve any changes to the upratings or other technical matters arising from national guidance.

Minutes:

The Lead Member for Inclusive Growth & Skills introduced a report that sought approval for the Council Tax Support Scheme 2020/21.  It was a requirement for the Council to adopt a scheme each year by 11th March.

 

The scheme had been fully reviewed and it was proposed to introduce a newly devised income banded scheme which it was considered would be easier to administer, clearer and with less administration for both the customer and the Council.  Details of how the scheme would operate were summarised and the new scheme was set out fully in the appendix.  In line with the relevant legislation, there had been a full 6 week public consultation on the proposed changes to the scheme.  The overall impact of the change was cost neutral compared to the current scheme.  It was estimated that of the 434 households directly effected by the changes, 295 would be better off and 139 worse off, which was 1.2% of the caseload for Council Tax support. 

 

Members asked about the communication that would take place to notify effected residents and it was responded that all households negatively effected would be contacted and supported.  It was also noted that hardship support was available through the Local Welfare Provision scheme and the budget would propose an additional £50k in resources in 2020/21.  The Cabinet welcomed the principles of moving to an income banding scheme with all residents making a contribution and support targeted at the poorest residents of Slough.

 

The revised scheme as set out in Appendix 1 was agreed and the Section 151 Officer was given delegated authority to approve any changes to the upratings from any national guidance published following Cabinet approval.

 

Resolved –

 

(a)  That a new banded income Council Tax Support Scheme be adopted by Slough Borough Council for the 2020-21 financial year.

 

(b)  That the Council Tax Support scheme as detailed in Appendix A to the report be approved for 2020-21.

 

(c)  That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer to approve any changes to the upratings or other technical matters arising from national guidance.

Supporting documents: