Councillors have approved changes to the council tax reduction scheme at last night’s council meeting (26th Feb).
The scheme provides residents on low incomes with financial assistance with their council tax bills.
The changes mean that more than 5,000 people who qualify for the council tax support will only need to pay 20 per cent of their council tax bill instead of the current 25 per cent.
The process will also be streamlined making it easier for residents to use.
The cost for households who have non-dependant people living with them will also be reduced from £15 to £10 per week and child maintenance and child benefits will not be included as income.
The council carried out consultation on the proposed changes at the end of last year so people could give their views on what changes they wanted to see.
Cllr Derek Carnell, deputy cabinet member for finance at the council, said:
“We found that the current scheme has been confusing for residents to use, as well as being difficult for us to run.
These new changes will simplify the current scheme and provide extra support for those residents on a low income.
It is important to us that we do our very best to support those who need it, and the reduction to 20 per cent for those who qualify could make a big difference.”
Changes will come into effect on 1st April 2020.
For more information about council tax support visit: www.swale.gov.uk/council-tax
Swale Borough Council
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