Ipswich Borough Council has launched a consultation to seek views into the proposed changes to their Local Council Tax Reduction scheme for working age people on a low income.
The consultation, which opened today (21 September) and runs until 16 November, aims to seek opinions into whether residents agree with the changes to the scheme as proposed by the Council which sees an increase to the maximum rate of reduction to 100% for some customers on low incomes.
The current version of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme was introduced by the Council in 2018 and offers up to 95% reduction on council tax bills for certain customers.
The changes would see households that receive Universal Credit moving to a new ‘banded’ scheme. The banded scheme would allow for fluctuations in earnings, minimising the need to recalculate council tax as frequently - which is required under the current scheme.
The changes, if agreed, will come into effect for the council tax year 2023/24.
Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Deputy Leader of Ipswich Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, says:
“During the cost of living crisis that is facing us all, it is important for us as a Council to do all we can. This proposed scheme will go a long way to provide support with council tax bills for those who are of working age and who are financially vulnerable.
“The consultation is open until Sunday 16 November, and I would encourage you to have your say by visiting our website and taking part in our short survey.”
Following the conclusion of the consultation, the findings will be reported back to the Council’s Executive where a decision will be made.
If the recommendation is successful, all changes would come into effect from April 2023.
More information about the proposed changes and the survey can be found on the Council’s website.
