A public consultation exercise is underway to highlight options for the Council Tax Support scheme that will be in place for the new Dorset Council.
The online survey invites residents to have their say on the options that may be implemented from 1 April 2019. The survey is now open to the public and will run until 10 December 2018.
Council Taxpayers who are on low income can apply for Council Tax Support (CTS) to help them with their Council Tax. Entitlement to CTS is based on the circumstances and income of the claimant’s household.
Each Council Tax billing authority is required to determine the CTS scheme for its area and has the discretion to determine the principle factors for their scheme, including the maximum support that will be given to working age claimants.
The current two-tier system of local government in Dorset is changing from 1 April 2019 and the nine existing councils will be replaced by the following two unitary councils:
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, which will provide services covering that area
- Dorset Council, which will provide services covering the rest of the county
As a result of these changes the existing CTS schemes will effectively cease from that date and Dorset Council will need to agree a new scheme which is affordable, consistent and fair for all residents. Not only for those that receive support but also for those who depend on wider services.
Comments can be made by completing the online questionnaire at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/council-tax-support-options.Those that do not have access to the internet can be sent a paper questionnaire by phoning 01305 211930. The results of the consultation will be considered in February 2019 when the Dorset Council CTS scheme will be agreed.
