This report provides the results of the public consultation on changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme from 2017/18 and seeks a decision on the scheme framework for how the Council Tax Reduction scheme should look from 2017/18.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council that the results of the consultation exercise be noted; the Local Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2017/18 be based on the current scheme but in line with the Housing Benefit legislative changes and an exception hardship policy is integrated into the scheme and the Collection Fund to support vulnerable residents who may face severe financial hardship because of the impact of the changes.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided the results of the public consultation on changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme from 2017/18 and sought a decision on the scheme framework for how the Council Tax Reduction scheme should look from 2017/18.

Alternative options considered:

The report set out various options which had been consulted on.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the statutory duty to consult upon the proposed scheme and to comply with the Local Government Finance Act which provides that the making or revision of a Council Tax Reduction Scheme can only be discharged by the Authority.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)     the results of the consultation exercise be noted;

(2)     the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017/18 be based on the current scheme but in line with the Housing Benefit legislative changes; and

(3)     an exceptional hardship policy is integrated into the scheme and the Collection Fund to support vulnerable residents who may face severe financial hardship because of the impact of changes.