Agenda item

Ian Savigar, Divisional Director Customer Service introduced the report. He explained that the authority is planning to implement a revised scheme for Local Council Tax Support for people of working age from April 2017. He explained that a public consultation on a preferred scheme is underway and concludes in October 2016. He referred to an update sheet handed out at the meeting ‘Summary of Responses to New LCTS Scheme Public Consultation’ (appended to the minutes).

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

Councillor Barrett asked if the numbers of responses had met expectation. The officer stated that, so far, yes this met expectations. The officer also explained that the number of people receiving benefits has decreased.

Councillor Pearce asked where the £4m for the scheme comes from and if there is additional money or if the revised scheme is just about how the money is allocated. The officer confirmed that the revised scheme has the same cost but will contain changes in how the money is allocated. Councillor Pearce asked if there is likely to be substantial winners and losers. The officer stated that between 400-500 will significantly lose out but the scheme is designed to be better and fair, so that number is offset by winners who have higher levels of need, and the Welfare Support Team will gain some additional funding to support those who are most affected.

Councillor Dando referred to the potentially unhappy respondents and asked if the money could be split differently. The officer explained that there would be people who will lose out as well as those that gain but overall the aim is for a simpler and fairer system more in line with Universal Credits. Councillor Dando spoke to officers regarding the best way to get full information on this issue.

Councillor Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Efficiency and Resources, explained that with any changes in the benefit system there will be people who are differently impacted and that people who have less as a result of these changes will be targeted by the Welfare Support Team. He confirmed that it is the process that is being changed, not the overall spend.

Following a question from Councillor Furse, the officer explained that 55 responses had been received and the total number of claimants is 5, 500. Councillor Furse stated that we have to be careful as this is such a small sample. Councillor Furse asked if a better taper could be considered as there seems to be a cliff edge. The officer explained that most people fall into band 3 so the perceived issue is not as great as it might appear and there is a limit to the number of bands that can be achieved.

Councillor Becker asked how the Universal Credit system is working. The officer explained that this system has been in place since May this year and that Housing Benefit numbers have come significantly down. He explained that there have been some teething problems around temporary accommodation but that this has had more of an effect on Curo (new applicants have to wait 5 weeks for the first payment). Administratively it is working well so far.