To recommend to Council the 2023/24 local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme.

Cabinet considered a report on the proposed council tax reduction scheme for 2023/24. The cabinet member finance, corporate services and planning introduced the report and explained that the proposed scheme maintained the 100% discount from the 2022/23 scheme and that a recommendation was required from Cabinet to put to the forthcoming meeting of the Council.

Cabinet members discussed the report and noted that:

·       The scheme provides important support for households in need;

·       The scheme is a complex document designed to meet the requirements of legislation but residents applying for support are guided through the criteria and there are a number of third party organisations that also help claimants to navigate the scheme;

·       There is no hard and fast way to calculate the exact levels of need but information is gathered on numbers of existing claimants and from the Department of Work and Pensions on potential eligible households;

·       There are a number of other support mechanisms in place for residents who do not meet the criteria of the council tax reduction scheme and residents who are struggling are always encouraged to contact the council for help.

Group leaders expressed support for the principle of the scheme which is vital for those households struggling.

It was resolved that:

a)             The Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24, with the same parameters as the existing scheme, be recommended to Council for approval.