As the cost of living crisis continues, Isle of Wight council is to launch a consultation to consider variations to the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.
Nearly 10,000 Islanders receive council tax support this way, including those in work but below a threshold that is dependent on personal circumstances.
Have your say on changes
Currently assistance starts at 20 per cent, rising up in several steps to 70 per cent maximum assistance, depending on the household and financial circumstances,
The proposal for the scheme commencing in April 2024 is to keep the scheme as it is, however it is also seeking views on varying the maximum level of support by 5 per cent either way.
Impact on the IWC budget
Both alternatives have a significant impact on the council budget. Higher levels of relief would require savings and cuts elsewhere. Lower levels of relief could lead to an increase in council tax arrears and lower levels of Council Tax collection.
The implications of changes to the scheme will not affect pension-age recipients of local council tax support, but could affect both working-age recipients as well as users of council services more widely and therefore will be open to all residents to participate.
Don’t miss the deadline
The results of the consultation form part of the decision-making process for setting council tax and the overall council budget next year.
The consultation is available on the Local council tax support scheme consultation page and the closing date is 2nd October 2023.
Copies can be obtained from council offices and libraries from this week. A large print version is available.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: John Schnobrich under CC BY 2.0
