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Council Launches Consultation Over Changes To Council Tax Support Scheme

As the cost of living crisis continues, Isle of Wight Council is to launch a consultation to consider variations to the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

Nearly 10,000 Islanders receive council tax support this way, including those in work but below a threshold that is dependent on personal circumstances.

Currently assistance starts at 20%, rising up in several steps to 70% maximum assistance, depending on the household and financial circumstances,

The proposal for the scheme commencing in April 2024 is to keep the scheme as it is, however it is also seeking views on varying the maximum level of support by 5% either way.

Officials say both alternatives have a significant impact on the council budget. Higher levels of relief would require savings and cuts elsewhere. Lower levels of relief could lead to an increase in council tax arrears and lower levels of Council Tax collection.

The implications of changes to the scheme will not affect pension-age recipients of local council tax support, but could affect both working-age recipients as well as users of council services more widely and therefore will be open to all residents to participate.

The results of the consultation form part of the decision-making process for setting council tax and the overall council budget next year.

The consultation is available on the Local council tax support scheme consultation page and the closing date is October 2. Copies can be obtained from council offices and libraries from this week.

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