Revised council tax reduction scheme is approved

A REVISED council tax reduction scheme with effect from April 2024 was approved by Tamworth Borough Council’s cabinet.

Councillors voted to approve the introduction of a new income banded grid scheme for working age applicants with effect from April 1 to reduce the administrative burden placed on the council by the introduction of Universal Credit and to increase the overall level of support for the lowest income families.

Thomas Jay, acting council leader, explained: “Each year the council is required to review this scheme, either maintaining or replacing it.

“It is now essential that the council makes changes to this scheme for working age applicants in order to reduce what is a significant administrative burden on the council by the introduction of Universal Credit and also to provide a scheme which is more supportive to those households on the lowest incomes.

“The alternative to introducing this is to simply leave the existing scheme in place but this would be a short term option leading to a continuation of increasing costs of administration and in the longer term will significantly affect the collection of council tax and the effectiveness of the scheme to support households within the council’s area.

“This has gone out for a full consultation in line with the statutory requirements.

“Each of the major preceptors has been asked for their input and their responses were all positive on this.

“It should be noted that overwhelmingly the public consultation agree with all of the proposed changes.

“I think it is a fantastic piece of work. There has been a lot gone into it, it has gone through a lot of scrutiny to get to this point.”