The purpose of the report was to commence consultation for a localised council tax support scheme for the financial year 2016/17. There was a statutory requirement for the Council to set a localised council tax support scheme by 31 January 2016 and this formed part of the formal budget process under the Budget and Policy framework.
Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED:
1. To approve consultation on Peterborough’s council tax support scheme 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017 that contains the following local components:
a) No change to the existing scheme reduction of 30% for all eligible working age claimants;
b) Align the council tax support scheme to Housing Benefit rules making it less complicated for claimants, namely to:
i. Limit backdating of council tax support to one month
ii. Removes family premiums from all new claimants, or existing claimants who would otherwise have had a new entitlement to the premium, with effect from 1 May 2016.
2. To approve consultation on introducing a council tax discretionary hardship policy with effect from 1 April 2016.
3. To note the possible impact on government tax credit changes on Peterborough’s council tax support scheme from 1 April 2016.
4. To note further changes that will need to be considered for Peterborough’s council tax support scheme from April 2017.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/10/2015
Decision due: 25 Nov 2015 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Resources
Lead director: Executive Director Corporate Services
Department: Corporate Services
Contact: Steven Pilsworth, Service Director Financial Services Email: steven.pilsworth@peterborough.gov.uk; Tel: 01733 384564 Email: Steven.Pilsworth@peterborough.gov.uk Tel: 01733 384564.
Consultation process
Relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Relevant Scrutiny Committee: Sustainable Growth and Environment Capital
Meeting Open to Public: N/A