Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:

That, in so far as it is empowered to do so by law, the Cabinet agrees that the Local

Council Tax Reduction Scheme be amended with effect on 1 April 2017 as follows:

(i)         To remove the Work Related Activity Component in the calculation of Council Tax Reduction for new claims;

(ii)             To limit the number of dependent children within the calculation for Council Tax Reduction to a maximum of 2 for new claims and entitlements; 

(iii)            To remove entitlement to the Severe Disability Premium where another person is paid Universal Credit (Carer Element) to look after them;

(iv)            To use the gross Universal Credit payment as income in the calculation of Council Tax Reduction;

(v)             To award council tax reduction if there is an active Housing Benefit claim or for a period up to 6 months following nil entitlement to Universal Credit, without the need to make a new application; and

(vi)            To have a Hardship Fund to assist those suffering exceptional financial hardship.

RECOMMENDED:

That, in so far as it is empowered to do so by law, the Council agrees that the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme be amended with effect on 1 April 2017 as follows:

(i)              To remove the Work Related Activity Component in the calculation of Council Tax Reduction for new claims;

(ii)             To limit the number of dependent children within the calculation for Council Tax Reduction to a maximum of 2 for new claims and entitlements;

(iii)           To remove entitlement to the Severe Disability Premium where another person is paid Universal Credit (Carer Element) to look after them;

(iv)           To use the gross Universal Credit payment as income in the calculation of Council Tax Reduction;

(v)             To award council tax reduction if there is an active Housing Benefit claim or for a period up to 6 months following nil entitlement to Universal Credit, without the need to make a new application; and

(vi)           To have a Hardship Fund to assist those suffering exceptional financial hardship