Decision details

Each year the Council is required to consider whether to review its Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS).  Report number: CAB/WS/22/046 advises about the conclusion of the 2022 annual review of and the resultant proposals for consultation for changes to the scheme to take effect from April 2023.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources and Property will be asked to review the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023 to 2024 in line with the proposals outlined within Section 2 and that the relevant consultation is undertaken in accordance within Section 4 of Report number: CAB/WS/22/046.

Resolved:

That the West Suffolk Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023 to 2024 be reviewed in line with:

1.       the proposals outlined in Section 2 of Report number: CAB/WS/22/046; and

2.       relevant consultation be undertaken, in accordance with Section 4 of Report number: CAB/WS/22/046.

The consultation will address options for the 2023 to 2024 scheme, proposals for which are set out in section 2.1 of Report number: CAB/WS/22/046. These are largely in response to the current cost of living pressures and for members to consider alongside national support measures and the development of the wider 2023 to 2024 budget. The detailed rationale behind the proposals is set out in section 2.2.

Two further options were considered. These were a) retaining the current scheme with an 8.5 per cent contribution from customers and b) no change to the applicable amounts.

The recommended option has been selected because it maximises the benefit to customers while minimising the administrative resources required to collect small payments.