Guildford BC announce no changes will be made to council tax support in order to 'protect vulnerable households'
To help protect those most in need, there will be no major changes to Guildford’s Local Council Tax Support scheme (LCTS) from 1 April 2015.
The new scheme was approved at full Council last night (9 December).
“We have made no significant change to the relief that we provide" said Lead Councillor for Finance and Asset Management Cllr Nigel Manning.
"This is to allow people time to adjust to the changes that have been introduced over the past two years.
“We have had a considerable reduction in government grant and other funding, and have had to make some difficult decisions about who gets financial support and how we can assist those in need.
"We have about £700,000 less to spend each year. Changes to our LCTS in the last two years have saved £400,000. We have met the remaining £300,000 by absorbing it into our budget - rather than passing it on to households who might struggle to cope with the reduced income - and increasing the council tax on empty properties.”
Two years ago, following widespread consultation, Guildford BC introduced a new LCTS scheme. Last year it was reviewed and updated.
Following consultation this year, just one minor change to the scheme has been made. The change relates to the way the government funds the care plans of special needs children.
"We want to make sure that our scheme remains fair, simple and cost efficient, as well as protecting the most vulnerable members of our community who might struggle to cope with reduced income" said Adds Cllr Creedy, Lead Councillor for Housing and Social Welfare.
"The small amendment to the 2015-16 scheme is as a result of government changes in how special needs children’s care plans are funded”.
Recipients with special needs children’s care plans should not notice any difference in the amount of LCTS they receive.