Issue - meetings

Report of Specialist Consultant – Leadership and Organisational Development attached.

Decision made: (Unanimously)

1.    Approval of an Equality Impact Assessment to be carried out on the current Council Tax Support Scheme given the new operating context that is Universal Credit.

2.    Approval for the Council to consult with all major preceptors on potential scheme changes (as outlined in the report) that could be introduced in the year 2020/21.

3.    That the result of the informal consultation with major preceptors to be reported back to Cabinet, along with any impact assessments that need to be considered on the wider effects of the schemes which will affect residents.

4.    Approval for the Council to continue with its existing scheme for 2019/20, and to strengthen and promote the exceptional hardship funds available to residents.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Specialist Consultant (Leadership and Organisational Development) that updated on the current situation with the authority’s Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) and sought agreement as to how to proceed with the scheme that included the undertaking of a consultation exercise for the proposal of introducing an amended scheme for the 2020/21.

Councillor Foster commented that it was his understanding that the Council had already voted upon the removal of the scheme at its budget setting meeting and asked that if the Council were continuing its provision in 2019/20 a reversal of the decision would also need Council approval. In response the Deputy Leader, Councillor Caroline Moon explained that the CTSS could not be removed at Budget Council, as legally there had to be a period of consultation with all preceptors on proposed options, and as such was a process that would take time. Whilst this consultation was being undertaken, the Cabinet considered it necessary to continue with the scheme in its present form especially with the recent introduction of Universal Credit.

There was general acceptance that the scheme was unfair and that the introduction of any future hardship scheme needed to be widely advertised so that it reached the right people.

Decision made: (Unanimously)

1.    Approval of an Equality Impact Assessment to be carried out on the current Council Tax Support Scheme given the new operating context that is Universal Credit.

2.    Approval for the Council to consult with all major preceptors on potential scheme changes (as outlined in the report) that could be introduced in the year 2020/21.

3.    That the result of the informal consultation with major preceptors to be reported back to Cabinet, along with any impact assessments that need to be considered on the wider effects of the schemes which will affect residents.

4.    Approval for the Council to continue with its existing scheme for 2019/20, and to strengthen and promote the exceptional hardship funds available to residents.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To carry out a review of all existing policies in this area and to consult on possible changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme in order that it is efficient and equitable as possible.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council does have the option to seek to amend the current South Ribble Council Tax Support Scheme in 2019/20, however this would not allow for the impact