Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the outcome of the consultation on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in Appendix 4 is noted;

2.    the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers in Appendix 5 and summarised in Appendix 6 is approved as the preferred option for 2026/27.

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 2026/27.

4.    the Council is asked to give authority to the Chief Executive, or Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, to make any necessary adjustments to the income bands to reflect changes to and uprating of welfare benefits, by 27 February 2026.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets introduced the report and reaffirmed the administration’s strong commitment to protecting low-income households through the Council Tax Support Scheme, with £4.3 million of support provided. He said this scheme is a clear demonstration of the administration’s compassion and commitment to ensuring that those most in need receive the support they need.  He expressed concern that schemes such as these may get lost in the future under local government reorganisation but hoped that Cheltenham would be able to continue to support financially vulnerable residents as we move forward.

The Leader said she was proud that CBC supports residents in this way and has introduced the scheme over a number of years, now offering 100% support to those most in need. 

The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency welcomed the policy, noting the futility of chasing debt from households unable to pay.  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets agreed, saying that offering 100% support is beneficial to the public purse in the long run. 

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the outcome of the consultation on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in Appendix 4 is noted;

2.    the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers in Appendix 5 and summarised in Appendix 6 is approved as the preferred option for 2026/27.

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 2026/27.

4.    the Council is asked to give authority to the Chief Executive, or Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, to make any necessary adjustments to the income bands to reflect changes to and uprating of welfare benefits, by 27 February 2026.