Wiltshire's council tax reduction scheme could change

Wiltshire Council said the proposed changes should help those in hardship and work better with the universal credit system

Changes have been proposed to a council's scheme that reduces council tax for low income households.

Wiltshire Council has been putting together plans to update the scheme for working age adults.

It said this would make it more generous to those in hardship and that universal credit made the current system more complicated.

The council has asked for feedback through a consultation open until 27 November.

The council tax reduction scheme which supports pensioners is national, so no changes have been planned for that.

The current scheme started in 2013 and has around 15,000 working age households on the books.

In some cases, it covers 100% of council tax.

'More control'

The impacts of universal credit, the pandemic and adult social care have led to Wiltshire Council reviewing the way it worked.

The council's cabinet member for finance, Councillor Nick Botterill, said the scheme provided "vital support and we don't want any barriers to prevent that from happening.

 "We think now is a good time to look at making some changes that will not only likely make it a more generous scheme for those who need it, but also give them more control and make it less complicated for all involved.

The authority said currently, UC payments fluctuated as incomes changed, which were then reported to the council, causing delays to the reduction.The council has urged anyone affected to give them feedback. There is a survey online and paper copies are available in Wiltshire's libraries and main hubs.   The results of the consultation will be brought back to councillors by the end of this year, with any changes introduced in the 2024/25 financial year.