Witney News - Revised scheme could see council tax cut

Revised scheme could see council tax cut

Some residents in West Oxfordshire could see their council tax payments reduced or even cut completely if changes to a key scheme are given the green light.

A consultation has been launched by West Oxfordshire District Council about amendments to the
Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Proposed changes include:
• The introduction of a banded scheme which would see a simple flat rate percentage discount awarded, depending on a person’s total weekly ‘net’ income
• Ignoring all child maintenance payments when calculating weekly income

Cllr Toby Morris, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “We are keen to simplify the existing scheme. By introducing income bands we can help applicants budget over longer periods whilst ensuring those on lowest income receive the maximum amount of council tax support available.”

Residents identified as vulnerable or in receipt of a state pension will not be affected by any of the changes.

The consultation is open to everyone and details can be found at www.westoxon.gov.uk/CTRS

Paper copies of the survey are available for those without internet access. These can be picked up from the Council reception points in Witney and Chipping Norton.

The consultation deadline is 9 November 2018. A report will then be considered by councillors before any changes to the current scheme are decided. These would come into effect from April 2019.