At last night’s Full Council meeting (19 January 2022), Isle of Wight Council accepted a proposal from me to reverse cuts to a scheme that helps low-income households – the Local Council Tax Support scheme.

The scheme helps low-earning people by paying a proportion of their council tax. The previous Conservative-run council had cut this support to just 65% over their time in office. I’d opposed all those changes.

Having accepted an amendment when debating this year’s scheme, the council is now on course to restoring the level of support to at least 70% by 1 April 2023. Unfortunately, as the council must consult on any changes this is the earliest that extra help will be available. In the meantime, anyone struggling to pay their council tax can apply to the council’s Hardship Fund for help.

The latest rise in the cost of living is 5.4%, the highest for thirty years. At the same time, energy prices are rocketing. It’s only right that the council does what it can to help those on low incomes, in particular.