Consultation agreed for support scheme for vulnerable residents

South Hams District Council has agreed that it will consult on its Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2024/25.

The scheme is reviewed each year to provide support for residents on a low income with paying their council tax. With the ongoing cost of living crisis the district council is firm in its aims to offer an extra helping hand to those residents who need it across the district.

The targeted consultation asks residents and partner authorities to have their say on the proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2024/25.

The proposals will provide additional support to self-employed residents and those who have a disability or health condition which affects how much they can work.

This will make sure that over 600 residents, or families, will have the extra financial support they need. The Council have costed the total amount for the proposed changes as £236,409 with their share of the cost (8%) being £18,913.

The rest being paid by each of the other bodies who combine together to create the combined total of the Council Tax, such as Devon County Council, the Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue.

South Hams District Council’s Leader, Cllr Julian Brazil, said: “It’s a really hard time for many of our residents. As a council, we need to support those who are struggling most.

“This annual consultation gives us the chance to talk to our partners to agree a way forward. We can then get to the crux of the matter, helping the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The targeted consultation will run from Monday, 2 October, 2023 to Sunday, 12 November, 2023.

To read the full report, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/Executive

To watch the meeting live, go to: www.youtube.com/user/southhamscouncil