Issue details

The initial discussions regarding the design of the Household Support Scheme looked at the costs and bills facing households. It is widely accepted that Council Tax continues to be a primary bill for all households, and, unlike many others, can incur significant court and enforcement costs if payments are not made, or delayed. The total additional costs facing a household for non-payment or late payment of a Council Tax bill can be as high as £386. This proposal looks to reduce the possibility of recovery action being taken against those families most in need, and also provide some much needed financial support.

During the design of the scheme, councils have been encouraged by the government to review and use a broad range of data sources to identify the most vulnerable in the community. The Benefits Service has reviewed several data sets and produced a detailed breakdown of all Council Tax Support claimants. This data has been key to establishing which households will be targeted in this element of the scheme.

Due to the high number of working age Council Tax Support cases and the limited funding available, it has been necessary to look at targeting the most affected by the high cost of living over the winter period. It is therefore proposed that the support is targeted at families with children.