To approve the 2024/25 local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme.

Council considered a report by the Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services to agree the council tax reduction scheme for 2024/25.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services proposed the council tax reduction scheme for 2024/25 and introduced the report.

The Leader seconded the council tax reduction scheme for 2024/25 for approval.

Council debated the report.

A named vote was held to agree the council tax reduction scheme set out in the report. The scheme was carried unanimously.

FOR (48): Councillors Andrews, Baker, Bartlett, Bartrum, Biggs, Boulter, Bramer, Chowns, Cole, Cornthwaite, Crockett, Dave Davies, Durkin, Dykes, Fagan, Foxton, Gandy, Gennard, Hamblin, Heathfield, Highfield, Hitchiner, Hurcomb, James, Kenyon, Lester, Mason, Matthews, O’Driscoll, Oliver, Owens, Peberdy, Phillips, Dan Powell, Ivan Powell, Price, Proctor, Simmons, Spencer, Stark, Stoddart, Stone, Swinglehurst, Thomas, Tillett, Allan Williams, Robert Williams, and Woodall.

Against (0)

Abstentions (0)

RESOLVED: That

a)    The Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2024/25, with the same parameters as the existing scheme, be approved.

To recommend to Council the 2024/25 local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme. 

The Cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report. It was highlighted that charges can be reduced if certain requirements are met for working age individuals and pensioners.  It was confirmed that the pensioner council tax reduction scheme is set nationally but the working age council tax reduction scheme is set locally by Hereford Council. 

Cabinet members had no comments.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  The continuation of the council tax reduction scheme was welcomed by all but clarification was sought regarding when change of circumstances are notified to the Council. 

In response to the queries it was noted that the majority of households do inform the Council of their change in circumstances. 

It was unanimously resolved that;

a)    The Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2024/25, with the same parameters as the existing scheme, be recommended to Council for approval.