Some Hastings residents could lose financial support to help pay council tax bills

At a meeting next Monday (January 7), Hastings Borough Council’s cabinet is expected to consider plans to alter the authority’s council tax reduction scheme – with the preferred proposals affecting 555 residents.

Of these, 242 residents could lose their support completely with the rest losing £5 or more per week.

Currently there are around 9,978 people claiming through the scheme in Hastings,  costing around £10.5m last year.

In a report on the plans, a council officer said the preferred proposals would keep the overall cost of the scheme at a similar level to the current scheme. 

But, the report adds, if current arrangements were to continue, the scheme would be expected to cost around £500,000 more than last year. Most of this additional cost would be met by Government, but between £42,000 and £70,000 would fall to Hastings Borough Council.

The report says the preferred changes attempt to offer a balance between the support available to residents and ‘maintaining essential services in an environment of reduced funding.’

The proposed changes include the loss of both the family premium and a cap on the per child council tax discount after two children.

Anyone claiming through the scheme who lives in a home valued above Band D could also be set to lose out, as the new scheme places a cap on how much can be claimed by these residents.

For example someone living in a Band D property is currently liable to pay up to £36.59 per week while someone in a Band E property is liable to pay up to  £44.72.

However, in all the options being considered, the council would keep its 100 per cent council tax reduction option.

This is unusual, with most councils in England capping the reduction a resident can receive on their council tax bill at around 80 per cent.

If given the go ahead by cabinet members, a final decision on the proposals will be made at a future full council vote.