Decision details

The Director of Resources submitted a report updating members regarding progress with the Council Tax Energy Rebate scheme.

Committee were reminded that the Government had announced a package of support in recognition of the growing cost of living pressures.

All eligible council taxpayers had now been paid the £150 payment ie 18,580 taxpayers totalling £2,787,000. 93.4% of which had been paid direct to their bank account with the others being credited to their council tax account.

A discretionary scheme had also been agreed to provide a £150 payment to Local Council Tax Support recipients in bands E to H on 1 April 2022 and to award a top up of £30.00 to Local Council Tax Support recipients in all council tax bands.

It was now suggested that the 1 April 2022 eligibility date be amended to 1 October 2022 to as there had been many changes to the eligible households during this time. Using the revised date meant that support would go to those households who were experiencing the greatest difficulties at this time. It would also allow an increase to the top up payment from £30.00 to £35.00 to all LTCS recipients.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE

1.    Note that 100% of eligible households have received payment in relation to the core council tax energy rebate scheme, and

2.    Approve the change in the date for eligibility for the discretionary scheme from 1 April 2022 to 1 October 2022 and the increase in top up from £30.00 to £35.00 for eligible households.