[Adapted from an Isle of Wight Council press release.]

Isle of Wight Council is consulting on its Local Council Tax Support Scheme, which helps low income working households with council tax. Nearly 10,000 Islanders receive council tax support up to 70% maximum assistance, depending on the household and financial circumstances,

The proposal for the scheme commencing in April 2024 is to keep the scheme as it is. However the council is also seeking views on varying the maximum level of support by 5% either way.

Both alternatives have a significant impact on the council budget. Higher levels of relief would require savings and cuts elsewhere. Lower levels of relief could lead to an increase in council tax arrears and lower levels of Council Tax collection. The implications of changes to the scheme will not affect pension-age recipients of local council tax support, but could affect both working-age recipients as well as users of council services more widely and therefore will be open to all residents to participate.

The results of the consultation form part of the decision-making process for setting council tax and the overall council budget next year. The consultation is available on the Local council tax support scheme consultation page and the closing date is October 2.  Copies can be obtained from council offices and libraries from this week. A large print version is available.