Decision details

To note the review and agree to continue with the parameter configuration agreed at Cabinet on the 13 December 2012 and subsequently at full Council on 21 January 2013

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               for the purposes of calculating income support entitlement, the key figures, as set out in the report, be uprated in line with the rate used by the government;

(2)               having considered whether to review the Local Scheme, it be agreed that there was no need to review it, and the two year Council Tax Support  (CTS) Scheme, as originally adopted by full Council on 21 January 2013, be continued;

(3)               it be noted that the Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme was fit for purpose and required no fundamental changes.

Reason for Decision:  The localised Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme was determined by full Council and implemented on 1 April 2013 after extensive consultation designed to ensure that residents within Harrow were given the opportunity to comment and help shape the final scheme provisions. 

The Scheme design and consultation process were based upon retaining the provisions for two consecutive financial years, 2013/14 and 2014/15, so long as key conditions remained unchanged.  This was to ensure that awards of Council Tax Support did not exceed the government funding made available and for it, as far as reasonably practicable, to enable a degree of stability for claimants and their families. 

There had been no significant fundamental changes, either in caseload, demographics, the economy or funding, which required the Council to consider reviewing or replacing the Scheme as determined by full Council. However, some parameters required an inflation uplift as set out in the determined Scheme.  Harrow was updating the Local Scheme to meet those requirements and as such was recommending minor changes to ensure, operationally, assessments were carried out under the same rules and applied consistently.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To undertake a review of the Scheme.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.