Consultation on tax support

A bid to increase the amount of tax support for council house tenants is being proposed.

South Holland District Council currently provides a maximum of 75 per cent of support, which would mean residents pay 25 per cent of the tax.
A consultation has now been launched that would take the support up to 85 per cent.
It also seeks views on whether the council should introduce a discretionary Exceptional Hardship Fund, which would include signposting to other support service, and make cuts to reduce administration costs.
According to recent Department for Work and Pensions estimates, one in four children in South Holland live in low-income households. There are currently 990 households with children which receive Council Tax support, of which 827 receive the maximum 75 per cent award.
Pensioners are not affected by changes made to the Council Tax Support Scheme as they can already claim 100 per cent of the tax.
Coun Paul Redgate (pictured), portfolio holder for finance, said: “South Holland District Council recognises that vulnerable families are struggling in these economic times and a review of the Council Tax Support Scheme could go some way in alleviating some pressures on families in hardship as well as helping people in exceptional hardship through the creation of a new fund.
“The Council Tax Support Scheme has been relatively unchanged since its introduction in 2013, with the current scheme now dated. The council is proposing amendments to the scheme to give more support to families as well as making the administration of the scheme a much easier and efficient process.
“Please do take a few minutes and share your views on this important scheme. Your responses will help the council decide on the level of support to claimants in the next financial year.”
The survey is available from the council’s website or by ringing 01775 761161.
It closes on Friday, November 15.

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