Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation is attached.

It was moved by Councillor Thorpe and seconded by Councillor O’Brien and on being put, with 46 Members voting for, the Mayor abstaining; that, Council, approves:

To approve:

1.    That Full Council approve the adoption and implementation of the new Council Tax Support Scheme from 1st April 2026

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation presented the updated Council Tax Support Scheme for implementation from April 2026. Members were advised that, following public consultation, the preferred model had been refined to:

• Simplify the assessment process;
• Enhance support for low?income working households;
• Maintain cost neutrality for the Council.

The Cabinet noted that the revised scheme was designed to be more accessible, reduce administrative complexity, and support residents in financial hardship more effectively.

Councillor R. Bernstein asked for clarification on the level of consultation undertaken, specifically what had been done differently compared to previous exercises. In response, the Deputy Leader explained that the Council had invested in improved digital engagement tools, including the ability to send targeted text messages, which significantly increased reach. This was supplemented by a comprehensive consultation methodology, incorporating online engagement, face?to?face sessions, and other forms of direct communication to ensure a broad range of resident input. The approach represented a substantial enhancement on previous consultation processes.

Decision:
Cabinet:

1.    approved presentation of the new Council Tax Support scheme at Full Council on 21^st January in order to seek Full Council approval for adoption and implementation in April 2026.

Reasons for decision:

The proposed scheme has already been approved for consultation and must now be approved by Full Council before adoption.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Retention of the existing scheme.