Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation
This consultation opens on 30 August 2022 and closes on 12 October 2022.
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme 2023/24 - Background information to the consultation.
What is Council Tax reduction?
Council Tax reduction is a discount for council tax and the amount given is based on the income and circumstances of the household.
Local authorities are responsible for setting up their own local Council Tax Reduction Schemes (CTR) for low income working age people. The scheme for Pension Age claims is set by Government and is not affected by any of the options set out in this consultation.
New Forest District Council's CTR scheme has been based on the former Council Tax Benefit (CTB) scheme with some changes (except those customers that are vulnerable). The current scheme includes a capital limit to £6,000, a minimum contribution of 10% and restricting the level of support to a Band D level of council tax.
Some people can still get 100% support - so they pay no council tax - if they are receiving certain disability benefits.
Our timetable
The Council is required to consult and formally adopt a scheme to commence on 1 April of that year.
Current Scheme
The proposals
The Council is committed to safeguarding its vulnerable residents who need assistance with paying their Council Tax. We also want to ensure that those in work are better off. The Council is considering a change to the scheme from 2023/24 and this is explained in this consultation.
The proposed change we are consulting on is:
- Increasing the backdate period from 6 to 12 months
How much does the CTR scheme cost
The cost of the CTR scheme is roughly £9 million.