A NEW Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for working age claimants has been approved Solihull Council.
The scheme, which is said to help over 7,000 working age residents with their Council tax bills, will come into effect from April 1, 2025.
Solihull Council say the working age CTRS assists low-income households to pay their Council Tax.
It is means tested and, dependent on the household income, it can provide a discount of up to 85 per cent of the household’s Council Tax bill.
All those of working age claiming CTRS will be expected to pay at least 15 per cent of their bill.
If there is financial hardship because of the council tax charge, there is the safety net of a discretionary reduction scheme operated by the Council.
It added the new working age CTRS is more directly linked to Universal Credit, so that people receiving Universal Credit will automatically receive the appropriate Council Tax reduction, thus improving the speed of response for those that are eligible.
The new simplified scheme is based on income banded grid model available on Solihull Council’s website.
The Full Council gave the scheme the green light at a meeting on December 10 after extensive consultations and discussion with residents and other interested parties to help reduce the complexities following the introduction of Universal Credit.
The Council is required to review its CTRS every year.
Councillor Bob Sleigh, cabinet member for Resources, said: “Our Council Tax Reduction Scheme helps thousands of working age households across the borough. However, over time it has become complicated, especially since the introduction of Universal Credit.
“This new scheme is simpler, more efficient and will help people check their eligibility more easily. Also, working with information from the Department for Work and Pensions we have been able to streamline those eligible for Universal Credit so that they can receive the appropriate Council Tax reduction automatically.
“With the cost-of-living crisis pushing more people into debt, the scheme will help support those on a low income as well as ensuring the Council continues to maintain its high Council Tax collection rates.”
