URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1302

Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Before the Committee was a report by the Interim Chief Executive, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 7.   Council Tax Support was a scheme to help some people pay their Council Tax. This depended on their income and personal circumstances and was only available to some people in the UK who are living on a low income.   The Council Tax Support scheme must be considered each year as part of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 (which introduced the framework for localism of Council Tax Support), with members confirming revisions, continuing the scheme as is or replacing with another scheme.   This Scheme formed an important part of the councils’ ambition for Fair, Green and Local by supporting people who are living on the lowest incomes. Whilst the councils were both experiencing budgetary pressures, the scheme was one way in which the councils were responding to the enduring impacts of poverty. The councils’ Proactive programme had been one response to this, focusing early help and support for residents experiencing vulnerabilities.   Given the importance of the scheme, the report asked members of both councils to continue the scheme with no changes and to recommend this to the Full Councils in respect of 2026/27.   Decision:   1.    That the report be noted   2.    That it be recommended to Adur District Council that the Council Tax Support scheme in respect of working age customers for 2026/27 should:   a.    Be based upon the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2025/26 with no restrictions; and   b.    Not be further altered with any other changes beyond necessary technical amendments required to keep the scheme consistent with the national rules in respect of Housing Benefit   3.    That it be recommended to Worthing Borough Council that the Council Tax Support scheme in respect of working age customers for 2026/27 should:   a.    Be based upon the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2025/26 with no restrictions; and   b.    Not be further altered with any other changes beyond necessary technical amendments required to keep the scheme consistent with the national rules in respect of Housing Benefit     Call In: There are no call-ins for decisions to be taken by Full Council

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025