Time is running out for residents to have their say on proposed changes to the Isle of Wight Council’s 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.
Benefitting full and part-time earners
The proposed scheme, set to start in April 2025, aims to introduce changes that will align more closely with national developments, including the move to Universal Credit.
Proposed changes include creating one simple earnings disregard rather than two, which would benefit both full-time and part-time earners.
Assessment of childcare costs changes
Also proposed is a change to the assessment of childcare costs for Universal Credit claimants to make it fairer for them, as well as to disregard new government-funded scheme payments which some claimants may receive.
The changes will not affect pension-age recipients of local council tax support but could impact both working-age recipients, as well as users of council services more widely.
Have your say
Therefore, the current consultation is open to all Island residents with the results forming part of the decision-making process for setting council tax and the overall council budget next year.
The consultation is available on the website and the closing date is Monday 23rd September 2024.
Paper copies or easy read version
Paper copies are available from council offices and libraries, or you can request a paper copy be sent to you by calling (01983) 823950.
An easy read version is also available.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
