Issue - meetings

There will be a presentation at the meeting.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the item.

The Panel received a presentation on ‘Local Council Tax Support changes 2024/25’ which covered the following (slides are attached to these minutes):

·  Changes introduced

·  Reduction in support

·  Discretionary awards

·  Case study

·  Cost

·  Next steps

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Simon stated that he welcomed the fact that the effects had been so accurately estimated. He asked if the main change had been to the standard amount. The officer explained that the higher rates will carry on, there is a plan to put in a general rule regarding the lowest amount. Councillor Simon stated that the effects will need to be monitored.

Councillor Simon asked about information on arrears and collection. The officer stated that he could circulate this information.

Councillor Treby asked how often people are getting the discretionary award. The officer explained that approaching the welfare support scheme is different for people. He explained that staff in the Council Tax section are fully aware of the welfare support option but some people do not wish to go through income and expenditure.

In response to a comment from Councillor Simon, the officer confirmed that support agencies are being sign posted and the discretionary support has been widely publicised.

The Cabinet Member thanked the officer and his team and stated that the scheme is working fundamentally in the way we wanted.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officer and stated that it was good to see the modelling had come about.