Content

Purpose of
the report:
The
purpose of the submitted report was to present to Council the
proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2025/26, prior to
consideration by Council on 6th November
2024.
 
Reasons for
the Recommendations:
Cabinet was advised that there is a legal requirement to have a
local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme to support residents of
working age on a low income who qualify for assistance in paying
Council Tax. The Local Government Finance Act 2012 requires that
each year a billing authority must consider whether to revise its
Council Tax Reduction scheme or to replace it with another scheme.
Any change to the 2025/26 scheme must be agreed by full Council in
line with budget setting arrangements and no later than 10 March
2025. Any proposed change must be subject to prior consultation
with major preceptors (for Oldham this is the Greater Manchester
Combined Authority on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and
the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner) and with the
public. The scheme for those of pensionable age is set by the
Government and cannot be changed.
 
Options/Alternatives:
The
options that Cabinet considered in relation to the submitted report
were:
 
Option 1: Maintaining the present level of support i.e.,
limiting the level of support at 85% of Council Tax for a Band A
property as the maximum amount available.
 
Option 2: Introduce income banded scheme.
 
The
recommended Option was Option 1.
 
Decisions:

1.   
Cabinet recommends that the Council approves the report at its
meeting on 6th November 2024.

2.   
Cabinet commends to Council the proposal to keep the Council Tax
Reduction Scheme unchanged in 2025/26.