Issue details

Cabinet received a report which was submitted following consultation to date on proposals for the Council Tax Support Scheme 2016/17 including discussion at the Joint Budget Scrutiny on 26 November 2015.

The purpose of the report was for Cabinet to make a recommendation to Council on the Council Tax Support Scheme to be implemented in Peterborough from April 2016 including the introduction of a council tax discretionary hardship policy.

Cabinet considered the report and NOTED:

1.  The feedback received to date on the consultation and proposed changes to the council tax support scheme, including the additional consultation response as tabled at the meeting;

And RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:

2.  To approve a Local Council Tax Support Scheme for Peterborough that contains the following components, as set out in the report:

a)    No change to the existing scheme reduction of 30% for all eligible working age claimants;

b)    Aligns 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.

Cabinet further RESOLVED:

3.     To approve the introduction of a council tax discretionary hardship policy with effect from 1 April 2016.