To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet and a report that provides an overview of the current Council Tax Support Scheme and the proposed change for the financial year 2026/27.

The Council considered the recommendations of the Cabinet and the submitted report, on an overview of the current local Council Tax Support Scheme and recommendations for a proposed change to the Scheme to be introduced for 2026/27, and in accordance with statutory requirements.  Members noted that the Council Tax Support Scheme provided a discount on Council Tax for those households that were on a low income, to assist them in paying their Council Tax.

Councillor Tyerman proposed and Councillor David Thomas seconded a motion, which as agreed by the Council as set out below:

that the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27 be amended as follows:

1.       the financial support to some of our working age households within our community is increased by aligning the income bands that allocate Council Tax Support discounts for single parents with couples that have children.  By making this change it will help to alleviate the cumulative effects of welfare cuts and rising household costs;  and

2.       income bands will be increased by the September 2025 Consumer Price Index inflation rate, at 3.8%.

To consider a report that provides an overview of the current Council Tax Support Scheme and the proposed change for the financial year 2026/27.