An eight-week consultation launches today (Monday) over proposed changes to the Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme.
Cabinet agreed to consult on the 2026/27 proposals at their meeting on 20 October.
Currently, the maximum level of council tax discount is 80% for working age households who are not in employment, and the proposal is to reduce this to a maximum of 70%.
For working households, there are currently discounts of up to 50% available, depending on earnings, and the proposal would lower support for those with income in income bands 2, 3 and 4.
As of this month (October), 6,466 working age households in Slough are in receipt of CTS, that’s out of 56,000 households in the borough who are liable for council tax.
There would be no changes to the scheme for pensioners in 2026/27, as this is set nationally.
A letter will be sent to all impacted working age council tax support claimants, giving them details on the proposals and consultation.
There is an online survey, open from 27 October to 21 December, with hardcopy versions available and an email address for queries. You can also download a copy of the survey online.
Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for finance, said: “We understand change is difficult, but these proposed changes could contribute to the longer-term financial sustainability of the council.
“We would continue to support those most in need by having a hardship fund and signposting them to other potential sources of support.
“It’s important everyone shares their views on how this would affect them and how we could address those impacts, so everything can be taken into consideration before the final recommendation.
“Last year we altered the final proposals based on feedback, so it is always worth having your say. Anyone can complete the consultation, not just those in receipt of the discount.”
As part of the consultation, voluntary and community sector groups will be asked to share their views.
There will also be daytime and evening public drop-in events in our community hubs. These details will be shared soon on the CTS webpage.
Responses to the consultation will help shape the Council Tax Support Hardship Fund for 2026/27.
If the proposed revised scheme came into place, it would deliver a total gross reduction in CTS expenditure of £872,198.
Results from the consultation will be analysed and another report with come back to Cabinet in January, with a recommendation to be made to full Council to agree a scheme by March.
Complete the consultation online and send any queries to the consultation email address at cts.consultation@slough.gov.uk
Find more information and FAQs on the CTS webpage.