Each year Dudley Council must decide whether to change the Council Tax Reduction scheme for working age applicants in its area.
We recently undertook a consultation which proposed a number of changes to the existing scheme namely:
- Changing the current variable Non-Dependant Deductions and introduce a standard weekly deduction;
- Applying a band restriction whereby a limit will be applied when calculating Council Tax Reduction, based on a Council Tax band C maximum;
- Removing second adult reduction from the scheme for working age applicants;
- Removing the extended payments provision from the working age scheme; and
- Including special disregards for the Post Office Compensation Scheme payments, the Infected Blood Scheme payments and payments made due to the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
The Council thanks all those that responded to the first consultation and will consider all comments received.
The previous consultation however also indicated that the Council was looking to maintain the maximum level of support for working age at the existing level of 77%. However, since that time it has been established that, due to the severe financial situation experienced by the Council, savings need to be made.
A total saving of £4.9 million is required (of which £4.2 million will need to be met by Dudley Council itself). If this is to be achieved then it will mean that the Council reduces the maximum support that can be granted to working age applicants
There are no changes for Pension Age applicants as they are part of the national scheme.
The online consultation closes to the public on 16 January 2025.