Issue details - Localised Council Tax Support Scheme 2014/15

Localised Council Tax Support Scheme 2014/15

Localised Council Tax Support was introduced in April 2013 replacing Council Tax Benefit. There is a requirement to review local schemes annually and must be in place by 31st January.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Revenue Budget variation +£250,000;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/11/2013

Decision due: 5 Dec 2013 by Council

Lead member: Mayor and Executive Lead for Employment and Regeneration, Finance and Audit

Lead director: Head of Financial Services

Contact: Linda Owen Email: linda.owen@torbay.gov.uk.

Consultation process

Not applicable as the proposal is for the localised council tax scheme to remain unchanged other than uprating of applicable amounts and non dependant deductions which was stated in the scheme when it was introduced in April 2013.

Consultees

N/A

Reason for inclusion in Forward Plan: The government's localisation of support for council tax took place within a wider programme of Welfare Reform. The intention of the changes being to help move people back into work as well as making significant savings on the welfare reform bill.

Key Risks: An annual review of the localised council tax support scheme needs to be in place by the 31st January 2014. Failure to do so would result in an automatic default scheme becoming Torbay Council's Support scheme from April 2014 and would be of detriment to customers as the calculation for support would not be uprated to account for increases in daily living expenses.

If you want to make representations contact:: Linda Owen, Torbay Council, Town Hall, Castle Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3DR, email linda.owen@torbay.gov.uk, telephone 01803 207572

Agenda items

05/12/2013 - Council Localised Council Tax Support Scheme 2014/15 05/12/2013