Residents called upon to share their views on Council Tax Support consultation
Test Valley Borough Council is asking residents to have their say on proposed changes to its Council Tax Support scheme.
The changes, which would come into force in 2020, include simplifying the way the council takes into account non-dependant adults living at a property, such as grown up children, and reducing the level of savings that people can hold in order to be eligible for the scheme.
The council’s overview and scrutiny committee reviewed the scheme and last week cabinet agreed their recommended changes for consultation.
Pensioners are not affected by any of the changes as they come under a national scheme set by government.
More information on all of the options being considered is contained in the consultation survey which is available at www.testvalley.gov.uk/CTSConsultation. The survey will close at midday on November 13. A full copy of the draft scheme for 2020/21 is also available on the council’s website at www.testvalley.gov.uk/CouncilTaxSupportScheme.
Finance portfolio holder, Councillor Maureen Flood, said: “We are adamant that we will continue to protect our most vulnerable residents from any changes. We aim to streamline the scheme to make it easier for residents to apply and more efficient for the council to administer. We made a number of significant changes to the scheme for 2019 and are keen to avoid a major overhaul for 2020.
“I would encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.”