The Head of Financial Services has submitted a report to seek approval for consultation on changes to the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.      Agree that the proposals for the 2023/24 Council Tax Reduction Scheme outlined in the report be subject to consultation for an 8 week period from 19th September 2022; and

2.      Note the intention of the Head of Financial Services to bring a further report to Cabinet in January 2023 to outline the outcome of the consultation process and make proposals for the 2023/24 Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

The Head of Financial Services had submitted a report to seek approval for a consultation on changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24.

Councillor Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities and Culture, reported that the consultation questions remained the same as last year.  They had been written to allow residents to comment on the requirement to protect certain groups and consider whether to remove a 100% funded scheme for those who were working, in addition to other proposals.  The consultation would run throughout September and October: any changes to the scheme would be considered within the entirety of budget proposals as part of the overall budget process before being presented for approval early next year.

Councillor Aziz commented that the Council remained proud to retain a Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which was offered by few other authorities, and which was of particular importance given the cost of living crisis.

Attention was drawn to the need for the consultation to be widely advertised and it was suggested that officers also look at ways of publicising it in locations which offered free wi-fi access.

It was noted that the eight week consultation was now planned to start on Tuesday 20^th September, and not Monday 19^th September as shown in the report.  This was due to the latter being the date for the state funeral of Her Majest The Queen.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.       Agree that the proposals for the 2023/24 Council Tax Reduction Scheme outlined in the report be subject to consultation for an eight week period from 20^th September 2022; and

2.       Note the intention of the Head of Financial Services to bring a further report to Cabinet in January 2023 to outline the outcome of the consultation process and make proposals for the 2023/24 Council Tax Reduction Scheme.