Issue - meetings

Councillor S W Ferguson Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance to present a report reviewing the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) and the Cabinet at their meetings in November 2024. The Cabinet endorsed the recommendations).

The Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor S W Ferguson presented the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27 (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book). In presenting the report, Councillor Ferguson reflected upon the current economic climate and the unprecedented financial pressures faced by many households but in particular those on a low income. In particular Councillor Ferguson noted that protecting the most financially vulnerable from disproportionate burden was both a social justice and an important responsibility of the Council which was taken very seriously.

In opening the debate, Councillor Martin addressed the Chamber in support of the proposal but expressed concerns in relation to the unknown future and potential changes to be brought by Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). He suggested that an analysis and review be brought back to the democratic cycle in late 2026 to ascertain how this scheme may be affected by LGR and how the Council could best support it’s most vulnerable residents in the future.

Councillor Wakeford echoed the comments of both Councillors Ferguson and Martin and was proud for the difference that the joint administration had been able to implement and improve the lives of residents.

This sentiment was shared by the Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, Councillor L Davenport-Ray, who also reflected on the improvement to residents mental health created by this scheme.

Whereupon and it having been duly proposed and seconded it was

RESOLVED

that the scheme principles for 2026-27 remain unchanged, ensuring that the scheme continues to deliver support to low-income households across the district in line with the Council’s Corporate Priority to improve the quality of life for local people and to deliver good quality, high value-for-money services.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Council Tax Support 2026/27 Report.

Executive Councillor: S Ferguson

By means of a report by the Revenues and Benefits Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Council Tax Support 2026/27 Report was presented to the Panel.

The Panel heard that the scheme also provided an administrative benefit to the team in addition to the benefits it provided to residents. 

It was also advised that the Council Tax Support Scheme had been fully planned and budgeted, and was in line with forecast for the year. 

It was clarified to the Panel that the previous response times had included automated responses although not to the same degree as currently. It was also noted that there were several reasons why changes were not able to be immediately implemented and that a human element had to be considered however the Panel were also assured that all response times were closely monitored.

The Chair reflected on an excellent report and praised the principles implemented by the joint administration. The Panel further heard that despite the risks of the scheme, the dedication and hard work of the team

ensured it’s smooth implementational.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.