Consultation on changes to council tax reduction scheme
Changes are to be made to the council tax reduction scheme – but local authority bosses have pledged it will continue to protect the most vulnerable in the borough.
Dudley Council’s cabinet will be asked to agree on going out to consultation to ask residents’ views on a revised scheme, with a view to it coming into force in April next year.
The changes are designed to reduce the administrative burden on the council, ensure the continuation of support for lowest income families and improve the level of council tax collection.
It is also hoped it will cut through red tape and make it easier for vulnerable residents to make a claim.
Working age claimants are currently allowed up to a maximum of 77 per cent off their council tax bills, and the revised scheme maintains that figure.
Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance and legal services, said:
“It is absolutely critical that we continue to do all we can to protect the most vulnerable residents in our borough.
“To that end, the revised scheme will not see benefits cut for the people who most need it.
“The changes are more about making it easier to administer the scheme, both for our staff and for residents.
“If cabinet approves, we will shortly be going out to consultation and asking for peoples views. We will take those into account and look to put a revised system in place in time for April next year.”
The plans will be discussed at the next meeting of Dudley Council’s ruling cabinet, which will take place on Wednesday September 25 at Dudley Council House. Members of the public are welcome to attend.