Croydon Council is now seeking views on plans to make its council tax support scheme easier to apply for, while ensuring those most in need continue to be protected from having to pay any council tax at all.
A six-week public consultation opens today (28 October) on proposals for a new ‘income band’ approach, which would prioritise support to households with the lowest incomes.
Anyone can take part in the consultation by filling in the online survey at www.croydon.gov.uk/ctsconsultation. The council is contacting all residents currently in receipt of council tax support, either by email, SMS or letter, and will hold a briefing session for key stakeholders on the proposed changes at the Town Hall on 2 November. Council officers will also be available to answer questions at a Talk Money Week event at Whitgift Square, Whitgift Centre, North End, Croydon from 10.30am-4.30pm on 11 and 12 November.
Cabinet agreed to consult the public on proposed changes to the council tax support scheme at its 18 October meeting, with any changes to begin from April 2022.
Under the proposed changes, eligible pensioners, care leavers under the age of 25 and disabled residents who are unable to work would not be affected by the proposed new scheme. This means more than 9,000 households would remain unaffected by the proposed changes.
Other residents may see changes to their council tax support – more information about the changes and what they would mean for you are available here www.croydon.gov.uk/ctsconsultation
Alongside the proposed changes, the council would introduce a one-year hardship fund to support residents who are affected by changes to the council tax support scheme discount to adapt to the new system.
“Our council tax support scheme hasn’t been updated since 2013, despite year on year cuts to government funding, and so we want to ensure we are targeting our resources to help those in greatest need.
“The new approach would prioritise support to households with the lowest income, while continuing to protect our most vulnerable residents – eligible pensioners, young care leavers, and disabled residents who are unable to work. It will also make it simpler for all residents to apply.
“It’s important we hear from everyone who may be affected before we make a final decision so I encourage residents to take part in our consultation.”
Councillor Stuart King, deputy leader and cabinet member for Croydon renewal
