URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=390

Decision Maker: Executive, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To propose CTS scheme for 2025/2026

Content: To propose CTS scheme for 2025/2026 The Executive Member for Finance introduced the report that considered and recommended to Full Council the revised Council Tax Support Scheme for the financial year 2025/2026. It was explained that the Council implemented its own local CTS scheme of support to help those people on low incomes pay their Council Tax in April 2013. Further changes were made in April 2020 introducing the income banded scheme. Annual wage growth was expected to be 4% in Q4 of 2024 and remaining at the same level during 2025. Without changes to the CTS scheme, this would result in more households being moved into a high-income band and therefore having to pay a higher share of the full Council Tax for their property. To continue to give support to households during the ongoing cost of living crisis, proposals were being made to increase income bands by 4% and could be seen in the chart in the report. Councillor Alaric Smith proposed that the Executive agree the recommendations as listed on the report. This was seconded by the Leader, Councillor Andy Graham, was put to a vote, and was unanimously agreed by the Executive. That the Executive resolved to recommend to Full Council to: 1. Agree the inflationary increase in income bands as detailed in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 of this report from 1 April 2025. 2. Agree that any surplus in the Hardship Fund is transferred over to 2025/2026 for reasons detailed in paragraphs 2.5 and 2.6 of this report.

Date of Decision: November 20, 2024