Issue - meetings

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director, Strategic Resources recommending that the Council consulted with Major Preceptors and Stakeholders on a new income banded Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme for the new North Yorkshire Council, to be introduced from 1 April 2023.

County Councillor Gareth Dadd introduced the report confirming his view that the proposed scheme was a more pragmatic approach compared to the current scheme that would better support those residents struggling with their Council Tax, particularly in light of the current cost of living crisis.

Kerry Metcalfe, sponsor for the Revenue and Benefits Finance LGR workstream, provided an overview of the report and confirmed the proposed Council Tax reduction scheme for the new North Yorkshire Council would replace the existing schemes currently in place across all of the District / Borough Councils in North Yorkshire, but would not affect the pension aged reduction scheme set by Government.

It was confirmed the additional annual cost of the proposed new scheme would be £2.3m.  Executive Members noted the proposal to ring-fence the additional Council Tax revenue of circa £2m arising from the discounts and premium proposals agreed at the last Executive meeting, would leave a shortfall of £300K.  It was confirmed the efficiencies derived from the roll out of the proposed new scheme would more than cover that net funding gap resulting in a cost neutral budget position for the new Council.    

Marcus Lee, lead Benefits Manager on the Revenue and Benefits Finance LGR workstream, confirmed the proposed new scheme would provide more support to those on the lowest incomes, would encompass the exceptional hardship scheme, and would be easier for residents to understand.

It was noted that:

·         Any transition to a new scheme would likely result in a change to the entitlement for some residents;

·         The cost of administering the proposed new scheme would be covered by the new North Yorkshire Council, as the billing authority;

·         Consideration had been given to a further discount for those families with more than two children but it had been agreed to keep the proposed scheme aligned with other government benefits;

·         A detailed communications plan had been developed to support the proposed consultation process detailed in the report;

Finally, attention was drawn to the Equalities Impact Assessment included in with the report

Members thanked officers for the report and it was

Resolved – That the Council consult with Major Preceptors and Stakeholders on a new Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24 onwards for the new North Yorkshire Council as set out in the report.