Council report to consult on updates to Council Tax Support scheme

Cheshire West and Chester Council is publishing a report reviewing the Council Tax Support Scheme for Working Age Claimants who are on low incomes.

There will be no changes to the Pension Age Scheme.

The report gives the go-ahead for the Council to consult with residents on a new scheme which could see over one thousand households receiving an increase in their levels of support.

The proposals would mean that the scheme would continue to award up to a 100 per cent reduction to Council Tax bills for protected groups (including war pensioners of working age, carers, disabled adults and children in receipt of specific benefits) and maintain a maximum award of 75 percent to non-protected groups.

Overall, it would mean that 85 per cent of claimants will see no change in their awards.  Around six per cent of claimants may see a decrease in their levels of support, but many of these will be protected with transitional funding.

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Legal and Finance said:

“By aligning new rules with Universal Credit, the proposed scheme will be simpler to understand.  It will mean that people won’t need to make duplicate applications and will receive fewer amended bills throughout the year, making it easier for them to budget.

“The proposed changes will be easier to administer overall, freeing up staff time to focus on supporting vulnerable residents.

“Alongside the scheme, the Council will be embarking on a project to ensure residents are maximising their benefit entitlement.  We will be reviewing adversely impacted cases in advance of the bills being issued to ensure applicants are receiving the correct awards.”

The Consultation on the Council Tax Support scheme will start on the 18 September 2024 and runs for six weeks.  It will consist of workshops and discussions with voluntary organisations, key partners and representative groups, and a survey (which will be available online and in paper format to all Council Tax payers.) The Council will publish further details on how to get involved when the consultation is live.

A final decision on the scheme will be taken by full Council in December and any changes would come into effect in April 2025. Following the consultation, there would be a dedicated phone line to provide information and advice to people impacted by any changes.