Issue - meetings

To consider the Local Council Tax Support Scheme -2021/22 report.

Councillor Hargreaves presented the report on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021-2022 and proposed the recommendation as set out in the report. He said the Scheme was the most generous of any council in Essex and he encouraged anyone to apply if they were in need. He added that the number of claimants had been on a downward trend in recent years, although this had reversed following the impact of Covid-19. He highlighted the cost of the scheme, £413,000 for this year, and said the year stated in the table was incorrect. In future he said efforts would be made to make the consultation clearer, in order to improve the low response rate.

Councillor Dean seconded the recommendation.

Councillor Barker referred to paragraph 14 in the report, which referred to an increased case load due to the pandemic, and queried the cost of the Scheme. She said the paperwork was not adequately clear and would be abstaining from the vote.

The Chair moved to a vote.

The recommendation was carried 33 for, 0 against with 4 abstentions.

RESOLVED  to approve the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021/22 based on the following;

I. The contribution rate is frozen for the sixth consecutive year at 12.5%.

II. The Council continues to protect Vulnerable and Disabled Residents and Carers on a low income.