Decision details

To consider options for new localised Council Tax Support Scheme

(1) To AGREE in principle that a cost neutral Council Tax Support scheme, which supports the objective of simplicity, to protect vulnerable people and minimise the impact on incentives to work, should be adopted;

(2) To AGREE that Option 3 of the Council Tax Support scheme proposals as set out in Appendix 2 of the report will be developed in to a policy document for consultation and approval in accordance with the required timetable;

(3) To AGREE that Work will be carried out to develop a more detailed understanding of the wider impacts on various customer types and equalities impacts during the consultation process;

(4) To NOTE that by adopting a simplified scheme we focus administrative activity on preventing fraudulent claims entering the system and enable effective detection principles; and

(5) To AGREE that the financial implications be factored into the budget process for 2013/2014 to be considered by the Council in February 2013, and the Council Tax base setting to be considered by Council in November.

These changes are being brought about as part of the wider Welfare Reforms; they are also being enacted at a time when financial budgets are under very tight pressures.

Having regard to all Council Tax payers across Bath & North East Somerset the recommendations are made based on the principle that any scheme should be simple and equitable across all groups, it should seek to reduce impacts on work incentives where possible.

Three options for a Council Tax Support Scheme have been considered in detail, with variations on these themes also considered. There is also scope to adapt Options 1 and 3 in a phased approach and adopting a part funding solution which is phased out over time.  These other options are not preferred as they do not deliver the principles adopted as well as option 3.