More help is a step closer for the Island’s most vulnerable residents as they could get extra money off their council tax bill.
At last week’s Isle of Wight council cabinet meeting, it was agreed to recommend a further five per cent increase to those in receipt of the council tax support scheme (LCTS).
It comes as the cost of living crisis increases and more and more families are feeling the squeeze.
70 per cent discount
Currently, those eligible for LCTS get up to 65 per cent off their council tax bill but that could rise to 70 per cent next year.
When deciding whether to increase the support, officers say the council must have regard to its current financial pressures.
Will only happen if the council can afford it
Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Cllr Chris Jarman said a year ago the Alliance Administration halted the decline in support but would, where possible, look to increase the level of relief in the future.
Cabinet unanimously supported the increase, but only if the council can afford it as it would cost the authority £359,821 to implement.
Final decision in January
The final decision on how much support people will receive will be made in January, ahead of the budget-setting meeting in February.
The exceptional hardship fund is also available to residents in receipt of the LCTS, who are in suffering hardship to receive extra assistance in paying their council tax.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
