Decision details

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Since 2013, local authorities have been responsible for designing their own Council Tax Support Schemes. H&F has consistently chosen to protect residents by maintaining a scheme that ensures no one is worse off than they would have been under the previous national system. In fact, the Council has gone further—investing £9.0m in 2024/25 to support the borough’s lowest-income households.
This investment reflects the administration’s commitment to fairness and social justice. At a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to place immense pressure on families, H&F is determined to shield residents from hardship. The scheme for 25/26 is designed to continue to provide financial relief but also to challenge the regressive nature of Council Tax by offering greater support to those who need it most

Decision:

That Cabinet agreed the following recommendations to be approved by Full Council:

 

  1. That the Council Tax Support Scheme in operation in 2025/2026 (included at Appendix 1) shall continue in 2026/2027.

 

  1. That the Council shall apply the annual uprating of allowances, applicable amounts and income, set out in the DWP Housing Benefit circular, to the Council Tax Support scheme for 2026/2027.

Report author: Kirsty Brooksmith

Publication date: 20/01/2026

Date of decision: 19/01/2026

Decided at meeting: 19/01/2026 - Cabinet

Effective from: 24/01/2026

Accompanying Documents: