Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets introduced the report as published, saying the council has an annual obligation to consult on this. Cheltenham has one of the most generous council tax support schemes in the country and she is proud that the council is able to support residents in new ways despite the pressures on local government finances. The new category of beneficiary for council tax support is those in receipt of the Armed Forces Compensation.

Members welcomed the report, highlighted the good work the council does in supporting residents, particularly those in the most deprived areas of the town. This includes the No Child Left Behind initiative and work with food banks. It was right that those in receipt of Armed Forces compensation should be supported. It was noted that the consultation response was relatively low and Members asked that efforts be made to increase that next year.

RESOLVED (unanimously) THAT

1. the Local Council Tax Support Scheme be approved and adopted for working age customers in Appendix 4 and summarised in Appendix 5, for 2025/26.

2. Authority be granted to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets to uprate any premiums, allowances and determine the income levels in line with any increase in Welfare Benefits by 21 February 2025.

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Alisha Lewis

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the outcome of the consultation on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in Appendix 3 is noted;

2.    the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers in Appendix 4 and summarised in Appendix 5 is approved as the preferred option for 2025/26.

3.    the proposed scheme is adopted and Council is recommended to approve and adopt the proposed Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers for 2025/26.

4.    Council is recommended to give authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets to uprate any premiums, allowances and determine the income levels in line with any increase in Welfare Benefits by 21 February 2025.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets said this scheme allows people who need it most to pay reduced or no council tax, giving them one less thing to worry about when they are struggling financially.  The new scheme is more generous than previously, allowing the council to support people to the very best of its ability.  It includes a new category for people in receipt of armed forces support, disregarding that payment as income, and next year will be even more generous.

The Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Public Realm said this is one of the areas where Cheltenham Borough Council goes above and beyond what most councils do, to help the most vulnerable people.  He commended the report.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services asked for confirmation that  people who do not have internet access can apply by phone.  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets confirmed that CBC understands the differing expectations across the town, and that access to services by phone is still important, particularly since the pandemic.  She encouraged anyone in need of assistance to reach out.

The Cabinet Member for Major Developments and Housing Delivery said that one of the beauties of Cheltenham is that the services residents value are maintained.  This scheme supports some of the most financially vulnerable people in the town; elsewhere in the country, similar schemes have been scrapped. 

The Leader said the council has to make some hard financial decisions, but for her, this is an easy one.  It recognises the effect of the financial crisis on people struggling with the cost of living and rising household bills, and not just the poorest communities.  The demand for council tax support has increased as the cost of living has gone up.  The winter fuel allowance cut is also having an impact on many older people, and she encouraged pensioners to ask the council for assistance, which may be direct benefits or help and signposting to what else is available for them.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the outcome of the consultation on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in Appendix 3 is noted;

2.    the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers in Appendix 4 and summarised in Appendix 5 is approved as the preferred option for 2025/26.

3.    the proposed scheme is adopted and Council is recommended to approve and adopt the proposed Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers for 2025/26.

4.    Council is recommended to give authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets to uprate any premiums, allowances and determine the income levels in line with any increase in Welfare Benefits by 21 February 2025.