Issue - meetings

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.

2. 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.

Councillor Rowan Ree (Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform) introduced the report which sought to approve the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. The scheme provided up to 100% support for the most vulnerable residents, exempted care leavers and foster carers from Council Tax entirely and in recognition of the brave service of our nation’s Armed Forces, and to mark 80 years since VE Day, provided a 25% discount for veterans living in the borough.

The Chair and Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan, said he was grateful for Councillor Ree’s leadership in this area.

The report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED

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.

2. 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.