Council members voted unanimously last night (Wednesday) in favour of retaining the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, and making sure previous cuts to it start being reversed.
In previous years, the former Conservative administration have reduced the support provided by this scheme that helps those in most need with their council tax payments.
Jarman: Be mindful for the needs of others
The paper was presented by Cllr Chris Jarman (Alliance), the Cabinet member for Resources. He advised councillors when considering the motion to be mindful for the needs of others, particularly those who are financially challenged at this time.
He reminded members that the scheme applies to those of working age, that pensioners can receive 100 per cent council tax relief and that there is a hardship fund for those with the greatest challenges and deprivations.
Jarman: IWC should never push Island families into homelessness or unsustainable debt
Cllr Jarman said,
“The Isle of Wight council should never be the vehicle that pushes Island families into homelessness or unsustainable debt and that must be major consideration in everything that we do.”
He went on to say,
“This administration is determined to stop decline and going forward to reverse it, and are strongly committed to that.
“The council faces an enormous number of financial challenges, and there were opportunities to incorporate savings to IWC by reducing the level of relief available to residents, but we declined that offer and moved forward to start the process of turning this ship by stopping decline.
“I only wish I could do more at this time with what we have available, but we must be prudent and ensure our commitment and resolve are undiminished in the future.”
Garratt: Steep rise in the cost of living for those on low incomes
Cllr Andrew Garratt (LibDem) spoke passionately on his amendment to the motion.
“I have spoken every year of the terrible impact of cutting this support to those on low incomes and every year I have moved amendments and failed.
“I would like to say I was delighted that it would be first year of being successful with an amendment, but I can’t be delighted when so many people live with the pressures of cost of living and their low incomes.”
He went on to reference Tweets from Jack Monro, the food writer, journalist and activist known for campaigning on poverty issues, about the steep increases in food prices, such as a 344 per cent increase for rice, a 150 per cent increase for pasta, and a 45 per cent increase for baked beans.
Amendment to the motion
Cllr Garratt’s amendment to the vote reads:
“The Corporate Plan has an aspiration to provide greater support to those on low incomes, including through the local council tax support scheme. The Corporate Plan also indicates the council will address issues of fuel poverty. It has been announced that the latest figure for consumer price inflation (December 2021) is 5.4%. This is the highest level since March 1992 with analysts predicting higher levels to come. This, together with the impacts of rising household energy costs, makes it vital that aspiration is turned into decisive action by amending the current LCTS Scheme so that the maximum level of support for working age cases is increased.
If there were no statutory requirement for consultation prior to changes to the scheme Council would restore support to 70% from the current 65% from 1 April 2022.
However, given that there is a requirement to consult, Council agrees to do so as quickly as possible on a scheme seeking to provide for at least 70% support from 1 April 2023.”
Cllr Phil Jordan (Alliance) had proposed an amendment, adding the words ‘at least’ to the final sentence of the amendment, which was accepted by Clr Garratt.
Robertson: Anything we can alleviate situation for those who need it most is most welcome
Cllr Joe Robertson (Con) said he welcomed the amendments,
“Had it gone to a vote, it would certainly have got my support and I am sure by many others on this side of the chamber.
“Anything we can alleviate the financial situation for those who need it most is most welcome.”
The motion was voted through unanimously.
The full details can be read in the paper on the council’s Website.
Image: Johan Godinez under CC BY 2.0
