The Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme currently aids 11,400 households in North Somerset facing low income challenges, including an estimated 6,000 households with working-age members actively engaged in the workforce. Under the existing framework, working-age households obliged to pay Council Tax can receive assistance covering as much as 75.5% of their total tax bill.
The North Somerset Council is evaluating a new, simplified iteration of the CTS scheme, which will significantly affect working-age residents, typically aged between 16 and 66, who are in need of this crucial support. The proposal reflects the Council’s intention to create a more straightforward and accessible program for these individuals.
The council’s plan includes a thorough review and potential redesign of the CTS scheme in conjunction with all budgetary expenditures within North Somerset Council. This initiative arises as the council pursues strategies to achieve fiscal balance amid pressures from dwindling national funding and the rising demand for local services.
In its effort to gather public sentiment, the Council has crafted two distinct options pertaining to the future of the CTS scheme and invites residents to provide their insights on both alternatives. The feedback accumulated through this consultation process will play a vital role in shaping the ultimate direction of the scheme.
To engage in this consultation and discover further details about the two proposed options, visit Proposed changes to North Somerset Council’s Council Tax Support Scheme – North Somerset Council Consultations. The consultation is open until Friday, January 3rd, 2025, encouraging community involvement in the decision-making process.
Additionally, the Council plans to reevaluate the savings threshold for claimants before they qualify for CTS, aim for a more intuitive approach to non-dependant deductions, limit the CTS benefits to properties within Council Tax Band D, and implement a streamlined income assessment model focused solely on earned income.
Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, emphasized the council’s steadfast commitment to assisting the area’s most vulnerable citizens by providing vital financial support while ensuring the program remains fiscally responsible. He stated, “Our CTS offer costs the authority over £12 million to deliver. We are currently reviewing all our spend in a bid to balance our books after years of national funding cuts and increases in demand for our services. We’d like to invite everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say on the proposed redesign of our CTS. No decisions have been made, and the outcome of this consultation will help us review how the scheme could be redesigned to meet residents’ needs, streamline costs of service while aligning with other local authority schemes.”
Cllr Jenna Ho Marris, the Executive Member responsible for equalities at North Somerset Council, added, “We take our duties to our most vulnerable residents very seriously, including those on low incomes. I encourage all residents, Town and Parish Councils, and members of voluntary and community organisations to tell us – frankly and at this early stage – what these changes will mean in reality to residents’ lives.”
The Council is dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all participants in this consultation. To facilitate involvement from all members of the community, materials are made available in large print, easy-read formats, and other accessible options upon request. Please email consultation@n-somerset.gov.uk for these provisions.
Feedback from the public, alongside insights from key stakeholders, will be instrumental in reaching a final decision at a Full Council meeting scheduled for February 18, 2025. If the revised CTS scheme receives approval, implementation is set to commence on April 1, 2025, heralding a new era of support for North Somerset residents.
What steps is North Somerset Council taking to ensure that the reviewed Council Tax Support scheme meets the needs of working-age residents?
**Interview with Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Cllr Bell. The Council is currently evaluating its Council Tax Support scheme that supports over 11,000 households. Can you explain the rationale behind reviewing this scheme?
**Cllr Bell:** Thank you for having me. The primary reason for this review is to ensure that our support system is as efficient and accessible as possible, especially for working-age residents who are actively trying to support themselves. We recognize the financial challenges many households face, and we want to create a system that simplifies the process for those in need.
**Editor:** The proposed changes suggest limiting benefits to properties within Council Tax Band D and adjusting the income assessment process. What are the expected outcomes of these changes?
**Cllr Bell:** By focusing our benefits on properties within Band D, we’re aiming to prioritize support for those who need it most, while also considering the council’s budget constraints. The streamlined income assessment model will simplify the application process, focusing on earned income, which can make it easier for these households to apply and receive the support they deserve. We believe these changes will help us serve our community better.
**Editor:** The consultation is currently open to residents. How crucial do you think public feedback will be in shaping the new scheme?
**Cllr Bell:** Public feedback is absolutely vital. We want to ensure that the new scheme reflects the needs of our community. By listening to residents, we can tailor our approach and make decisions that truly benefit those affected. The two options we’ve put forward are starting points, and we’re eager to hear what the community thinks about them.
**Editor:** Can you tell us more about the consultation process and how residents can participate?
**Cllr Bell:** Certainly! We’ve set up an online platform where residents can review the two proposed options and provide their feedback. The consultation is open until January 3rd, 2025, and we encourage everyone to get involved. Their insights will be instrumental in finalizing our approach. It’s important for our citizens to feel that they have a voice in these crucial decisions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Cllr Bell. It’s clear that the council is committed to involving the community in this decision-making process. We appreciate your time and insights today.
**Cllr Bell:** Thank you. We look forward to hearing from our residents and working together towards a supportive future for all in North Somerset.
