URL: https://democracy.arun.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1666

Decision Maker: Policy and Resources Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: (Prior to the commencement of this item, Councillor Walsh redeclared his interest made at the start of the meeting)           The committee received the minutes from the meeting of the Housing & Wellbeing Committee held on 25 November 2025.   The chair drew Members’ attention to a recommendation at Minute 369 [Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026/27].   The chair invited a proposer and seconder. Councillor Walsh formally proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Butcher.   In debating the recommendation, there were concerns expressed around fraud and how this was dealt with in administering the scheme and what checks and balances were undertaken with applicants to limit fraud. Members were informed that detailed questions were asked and evidence requested from applicants to assess and ascertain suitability. The other question asked was whether the council held any data on how long people received the discount for, did the scheme have time limits in place to ensure that recipients did not receive the discount indefinitely and if this was not the case, could time limits for claimants be considered.   The Director of Resources confirmed that the council could not eradicate fraud but that it did take steps to prevent it. The council had recently launched a fraud referral service which had already uncovered one example whereby a claimant was claiming housing benefit and the local council tax reduction scheme whilst out of the country. This hopefully provided members with a degree of comfort that the council was doing its best to combat fraud.   The committee   RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL   That the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27 be implemented at a cost of £30,548 per annum.     

Date of Decision: December 11, 2025