Council launches consultation on changes to council tax support

Trafford Council wants to know what you think of their proposals to revise the current council tax support (CTS) scheme. The changes would increase help to low income families, and those unable to work due to disability would be protected from any reduction to their payments.

The council has set up an online questionnaire to find out what people think of their plans which are:     

  • To remove the minimum award of £5 per week meaning all awards would be paid regardless of value
  • Abolish the non-dependant deduction for young adults (18-24 years of age) in receipt of benefits, out of work or on apprenticeships
  • To treat a Universal Credit (UC) notification from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) as a claim for CTS

Residents and organisations are being asked if they agree or disagree with these suggestions and if they have any ideas they would like the council to consider. The online questionnaire is available at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VBSHM9G

Councillor Mike Cordingley, Executive Director for Finance said: “The changes we are asking people to consider have come about after careful consideration of the impact current welfare reform changes are having on people on low income. We’ve received feedback from partners and stakeholders and now it is the turn of the public and those likely to be directly affected by our plans. I would encourage everyone to set aside a few minutes and have their say.”

Unlike other councils, Trafford assesses CTS based on the full council tax bill which means the most vulnerable can receive up to 100% support, with no council tax to pay. In addition, the Trafford scheme has added incentives for those starting work. CTS only applies to people of working age and pensioners are not affected by the plans.

The deadline for the consultation is October 5. The changes to CTS will come into effect from 1 April 2019 onwards.

Posted on Thursday 16th August 2018