Members considered the results of a recent public consultation into proposed changes to the council’s scheme. Councillor S. Rayner explained that the borough was committed to helping those who struggled financially by reducing the council tax bill through the scheme. The borough gave the 90% maximum relief to working age applicants, compared to 85% in Slough and 75% in Reading. Since 2013 the scheme had been determined by councils. The DWP and DCLG continued to make changes. The report therefore brought together changes since 2016 so the borough’s scheme was in line. It would assist the administration of the scheme and avoid confusion between national and local schemes. It would not affect residents of pensionable age who would continue to receive up to 100% council tax relief. The council had powers to give financial assistance to anyone who suffered hardship as a result of changes. As part of this a consultation was carried out via the website, libraries, housing benefit counters and flyers with council tax bills. 64 responses were received, 35% of which were from people who were currently in receipt of support.

The changes proposed were:

·         Backdating claims would be limited to 1 month rather than the previous 6 months. It was estimated that up to 5 people would be affected

·         Allowances would be provided for the first two children in the family only when calculating support. It was estimated this would affect up to 11 people

·         Removal of family premium. It was estimated that this would affect up to 15 people

·         Employment support allowance. It was estimated up to 5 people would be affected

·         Severe disability premium. This would be aligned with the new rule under universal Credit.

·         Each year DWP and DCLG altered the rates to calculate support and the council wished to do the same

The council would use its powers to provide mitigation to anyone who would be affected. All staff would be trained to assist residents.