As the cost-of-living crisis continues, the Isle of Wight council has launched a consultation to consider changes 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.
The changes
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.
Change to the assessment of childcare costs
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 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 online and the closing date is Monday 23 September 2024.
Paper copies
Paper copies are available from council offices and libraries from 12th August, 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
