Changes to North Herts' council tax reduction scheme will see further support for households with the lowest income. 

At a meeting of Full Council last month, changes to the scheme were approved following a review and consultation with residents in September 2022. 

A new banded scheme for working age applicants will come in to force from April 1 and will provide 100 per cent Council Tax Relief to the lowest income households across the district.

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Over 80 per cent of residents who are currently receiving council tax reduction will either see an increase in the reduction they receive or will receive the same reduction. 18 per cent of residents will receive a smaller reduction or will no longer be eligible if their income is too high.

In the council's consultation, 68 per cent of residents said that they supported the introduction of an "Income Grid" scheme to replace the current scheme for all applicants of working age.

The Comet: North Herts Council has approved plans to change council tax relief bandingNorth Herts Council has approved plans to change council tax relief banding (Image: North Herts Council)

88 per cent agreed with the proposal to protect people with disabilities by disregarding Personal Independence Payments or Disability Living Allowance and providing a further disregard of £50 per week where the applicant, partner or dependant is in receipt of the disability benefit.

Under the proposals, a single person with an income up to £100 per week, or a couple with two children on a weekly income below £260, will be entitled to the full 100 per cent council tax relief.

However, some families with an income below £515 a week will still be eligible for some support.

                                                                                                                                                 

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The council will write to anyone who is likely to see a reduction in entitlement and will signpost to a discretionary scheme to provide additional support where appropriate.

The Comet: Councillor Ian AlbertCouncillor Ian Albert (Image: North Herts Council)

Cllr Ian Albert, executive member for finance, said: “Thanks to everyone who took the time to give us their views. 

“These are difficult times for our residents through the current cost of living crisis.

“I am delighted that this new scheme has been approved which will enable the council to give more help to the people who need it most; as well as making it easier for people to calculate their entitlement and for the council to process claims more quickly.”