Council Tax Support consultation (18 July - 10 October 2024)

What is this about?

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is now consulting on our Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26 and we would like your views.

What is Council Tax Support?

Council Tax Support is a discount for Council Tax, the level of discount is based on the income of the household. Currently the maximum discount is 80% of Council Tax for working age households and up to 100% for pensioners.

Why is a change to the Council Tax Support Scheme being considered?

Until April 2013 there was a national scheme called Council Tax Benefit. The Government made local Councils responsible for replacement schemes from 1 April 2013 and reduced funding to support the schemes. Since then, funding has further reduced. We also need to make changes to keep the Council Tax Support Scheme in line with Housing Benefit which we also administer to keep costs low.

Decisions about changes to the scheme need to be considered alongside the wider challenges being faced by local authorities.

As government funding continues to decrease, we need to strike a balance between a revised scheme that is fair and affordable for those who receive support, and also for all our residents who receive council services. However, we remain committed to providing the maximum level of support for those with the lowest income.

Who will this affect?

Working age households in the borough who currently receive, or will apply, for Council Tax Support. Pension age households will not be affected as Central Government prescribed the scheme.