Decision Details

To accept the S31 grant funding from MHCLG totalling £989,736 which has been provided to support economically vulnerable people and households by providing relief to council taxpayers. The guidance accompanying the funding states that it should be used to reduce the council tax liability by a further £150 to working age recipients of Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) and/or use the funding to deliver increased financial assistance outside the council tax system through Local Welfare or similar schemes.

The guidance also permits a higher level of council tax reduction for those working age recipients whose annual liability exceeds £150.

CTRS is available where individuals are:

• On Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit

• On Pension Credit, Guaranteed Credit and in some cases Savings Credit

• Working and on low pay (including people who are self-employed)

• On a low income. For example, a retirement pension or social security benefits, like Incapacity Benefit.

   

The decision, supported by all CCFOs from the district councils in Cumbria and based upon financial modelling, is to provide a discount of £300 to all working age recipients of CTRS. Costing up to £300,000, this is affordable for Carlisle whilst retaining funds for new recipients of CTRS during 2020/21, with the potential to develop a Local Welfare Scheme if required. This has been agreed by both the Leader, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and Resources, and the Chief Executive.    

Any discretionary support we provide is in accordance with S13A (1) (c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.