Issue - meetings

This report details proposals for a revised Council Tax: Discretionary Reduction Policy – (Section 13A(1)(c) Local Government Finance Act 1992) to ensure that it is aligned to the revised Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) in place from 1 April 2025 as approved by Council on 27 February 25.  The report also outlines the allocation and the distribution of the Household Support Fund (HSF) extension, that is expected to run from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report following the changes to the Council’s CTS from 1 April 2025.

(2)        To note that the Council expects an allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025, although this has yet to be formally confirmed.

(3)        To approve the proposed approach whereby the Corporate Director, Partnerships, Housing and Residents Services (Corporate Director Housing and Residents Services from 1 April 2025) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Support agrees the detailed eligibility criteria for the allocation of the Household Support Fund and undertakes any subsequent modification as necessary, as well as engaging third party organisations and establishing the criteria for the allocation of Household Support Fund funding by those organisations, once funding is confirmed and in accordance with government guidance.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) then moved on to introduce a report from the Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services detailing proposals for a revised Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Policy (Section 13A (1)(c) Local Government Finance Act 1972) to ensure alignment with the revised Council Tax Support Scheme due to come into effect on 1 April 2025.  The report also outlined the allocation and distribution of the Household Support Fund (HSF) extension which was expected to run from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.

In presenting the report, Cabinet were advised of the targeted approach reflected within the Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Policy andHousehold Support & Resident Support Fund designed to provide what was recognised as a vital safety net for those struggling financially as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and ensure no one was left behind.  In highlighting the Policy’s alignment with the revised Council Tax Support Scheme, members were advised this would ensure those residents facing financial difficulties would retain access to discretionary support when they needed it most with the Council exercising its powers to provide relief for those who met specific hardship criteria including sudden job loss, domestic violence, or unforeseen financial crises as well as reinforcing the commitment to young people leaving care, guaranteeing that care leavers between 18 and 24 were supported as they transitioned to independent living.

In addition. Members noted that the policy would also incorporate extension of the Household Support Fund recognised as another a crucial mechanism to provide direct assistance for essential costs, including food, energy, and water bills.  Whilst recognising the challenging nature of the decisions which had needed to be made in relation to the support available through the Council Tax Support Scheme framework, it was felt the changes outlined in the report would continue to ensure those households currently experiencing financial hardship would continue to receive the necessary support, backed up by the £1.5m allocation to the Hardship Fund.  Recognising the pressures being faced by the Council it was felt the support outlined within the report reflected the efforts being made to ensure Brent remained a place where no one was left behind.

In welcoming the efforts being made to support local residents in need, including those transitioning from care, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report following the changes to the Council’s CTS from 1 April 2025.

(2)        To note that the Council expected an allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025, although that had yet to be formally confirmed.

(3)        To approve the proposed approach whereby the Corporate Director, Partnerships, Housing and Residents Services (Corporate Director Housing and Residents Services from 1 April 2025) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Support agrees the detailed eligibility criteria for the allocation of the Household Support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10