Council to announce updated revenues and benefits policies

Tameside Council’s Executive Cabinet is set to consider a series of important updates to its Revenues and Benefits discretionary and debt recovery policies at its meeting on 18 February.

The revised policies aim to give clearer guidance to residents and organisations, strengthen protections for vulnerable households and ensure a fair and consistent approach to collecting money owed to the Council. The changes affect four areas: Section 13A hardship support, Discretionary Rate Relief, Empty Property and Second Homes Premiums and the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy.

The Debt Recovery Policy has undergone the most significant refresh. More clarity has been provided on how the Council distinguishes between residents who cannot pay and those who choose not to pay. The updated version introduces the Council’s new BEST framework which means Balanced, Ethical, Supportive and Timely collection and recovery. It provides stronger guidance on when the Council will take enforcement action while also increasing the level of support for people who are struggling.

Expanded sections on vulnerability place income maximisation at the forefront of the Council’s approach. This includes earlier identification of financial pressures, clearer signposting to advice services and more flexible arrangements that reflect individual circumstances. New rules around payment plans make expectations clearer for residents and ensure consistency across all debt types.

The policy also strengthens commitments to fair collection. The Council will take action when a person is able to pay but chooses not to but will equally ensure that those facing hardship receive appropriate support. New provisions highlight the sensitive needs of people with terminal illness, ensuring timely and compassionate handling of cases where urgent support is required.

Other discretionary policies have also been modernised:

• An updated Section 13A Discretionary Policy introduces an online application form, clearer eligibility criteria and an extended approach that allows residents not receiving Council Tax Support to apply. It also explicitly considers terminal illness.
• The Discretionary Rate Relief Policy has been redesigned to improve clarity, introduce a structured decision-making model and strengthen compliance with subsidy control rules.
• The Empty Property and Second Homes Premium Policy has been reviewed and remains unchanged for 2026/27.

Tameside continues to have a strong collection rate for Council Tax and Business Rates, and refreshed policies will help maintain high performance by ensuring fairness, transparency and support for those who need it most.

“These updated policies are designed to give residents and businesses clearer, fairer and more accessible support when they need it most. They improve the help available for people facing financial pressures, including pathways for members of our Armed Forces community and those living with a terminal illness who may need urgent, sensitive assistance. The policies also make sure we take a balanced approach by collecting what is owed from people who are able to pay, which helps us protect vital local services for everyone.

“If anyone is struggling with Council Tax or other charges, I would urge them to contact the Council as early as possible so we can talk through the support and options available.”

If approved by Cabinet, the updated policies will take effect for the 2026 to 27 financial year.

The Council’s Helping Hand webpages also provide guidance on managing finances and finding local support: www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand.