Council Tax Support made simpler and easier

TAMESIDE Council is implementing a new income-banded council tax support scheme for working age claimants, with an easier and faster assessment process that will speed up the time it takes to reduce council tax bills and provide more financial stability for our residents.

The Council has taken this step as the former scheme was complex and time-consuming to administer, delaying support for our residents and recalculating entitlement throughout the year based on even the smallest changes in income. Under the new scheme the amount of council tax support awarded will only change if an increase or reduction moves overall income into a different band.

Importantly, the new scheme provides the same maximum level of support to the lowest income households, and supports families, vulnerable people and war pensioners.

More than 96% of current claimants will either see no change in entitlement or benefit from an increase. Around 3% are likely to get less under the new scheme, however these claimants will be individually contacted to advise them of the change and explain the transitional support available to them.

Our residents support this new approach as an extensive public consultation resulted in the majority of responses agreeing with the proposed changes. The Council’s Executive Cabinet approved the plans at a meeting on 29 January.

Councillor Jack Naylor, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Finance and Resources, said: “Our new Council Tax Support Scheme is designed to reflect a more modern and efficient approach. It will make it faster and easier for claimants to get the help they need, while protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring fairness to everyone. Pension age households will not see any change as they are covered by the national scheme, and the hardship fund we have put in place will ensure that additional support is available for anyone adversely affected by the changes and for those most in need.”

For more information visit www.tameside.gov.uk/ctax/counciltaxsupport