To consider the proposed changes to the Local Council Tax Support scheme.

The Head of Revenue and Benefits presented a report reviewing the conditions of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme with proposals for a revised scheme to be effective from 1 April 2017.

In response to questions, members were advised that as a result of government making alterations to the Housing Benefit scheme, there was now a need to make the following housekeeping changes to the Council’s LCTS scheme so that both schemes were more aligned.  These changes would also reduce customer confusion.

Recommendation to Full Council

That Council make the following changes to the Local Council Tax Support scheme, effective from 1 April 2017, to align it to the Housing Benefit scheme.

(a)       That the Family Premium be removed for all new working age claimants where protection in not provided (i.e. those who receive Universal Credit, Income Support, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance).

(b)       That the maximum period for backdating be reduced to one month.

(c)       That the maximum period for which a person can be absent from Great Britain and still receive Council Tax Support be reduced to four weeks apart from where protection is provided, as et out in appendix 1 to the report.