Decision Details

It was recommended that no change be made to the East Suffolk Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for 2025/26. The option of increasing the maximum benefit for working age claimants to 95% or 100%, has been considered but was not being recommended in the light of the impact of the measure on local authority finances, which could in itself impinge on the ability of authorities to assist in other areas, and does not help in encouraging residents back into work. In addition, a wide range of other measures have been, and will continue to be, put in place to support affected households.

It would be possible to continue without the changes to the scheme around fraud investigations and passported benefits. However, this could result in LCTRS entitlement being incorrectly awarded to customers or delays to CTRS entitlement re-assessments. A delay to a re-assessment could result in arrears and the need for repayments. 

The options for the 2025/26 LCTRS scheme maximum benefit for working age claimants are: 

To maintain the current maximum level of LCTRS discount for working age residents at 91.5%

To increase the maximum level of LCTRS discount for working age residents to 95%, and 

To increase the maximum level of LCTRS discount for working age residents to 100%, 

For the 2025/26 scheme there was the option to amend or not to amend the scheme to improve the process of reassessment for Council Tax support following fraud investigations. The detailed behind this option is set out in section 3.6 to 3.13 above.

That Cabinet approved: 

1. No change to the minimum 8.5% contribution level in the East Suffolk Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for 2025/26.

2. The following amendment to the LCTRS scheme for 2025/26 in respect of fraud investigation work as detailed in Section 3.6 to 3.13; 

- DWP passported benefit status for LCTRS assessments would be disregarded where the Council is satisfied that the LCTRS assessment is incorrect because of information obtained by the Local Authority fraud investigation Team.