No increase proposed following benefits feedback

Following public consultation, held during the summer, Harborough District Council is to recommend that the Council Tax Support Scheme is frozen at 15% for 2017/18.

This means that working age residents claiming council tax support will continue to make a financial contribution of 15% of their overall council tax bill.

Councillors have the option to increase the amount council tax support  claimants pay towards the bill but, following feedback from the public, will consider freezing the contribution at 15%.

The Local Council Tax Support Scheme was introduced in 2013/14 alongside all councils in Leicestershire. Each council was able to set its own contribution rates with Harborough District Council setting a minimum contribution rate of 15%. The scheme only applies to council tax support claimants of working age. Pensioners will continue to get full support with their council tax subject to eligibility.

A discretionary council tax hardship fund was also introduced at the time which continues to provide support to those on benefits who are experiencing particular financial hardship.

The recommendation coincides with the rollout of Universal Credit – operated by the Department for Work and Pensions – whereby any individual of working age applying for certain types of benefit will need to apply for, and manage, their benefits online via a personal account.

Harborough District Council’s Executive will consider the recommendations on Monday 5 December 2016.