Last chance to have your say on proposed changes to Buckinghamshire’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Residents have just a few days left to share their views on proposed changes to Buckinghamshire Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme, with the public consultation closing at 11.59pm on Monday 2 February.
The scheme supports working-age residents on low incomes by reducing the amount of Council Tax they need to pay, helping nearly 14,000 households in Buckinghamshire each year. This currently results in the council collecting £20 million less in Council Tax annually.
The council is proposing to simplify how the scheme operates. Like many local authorities that have already reviewed and amended their schemes – leading to a 3.9% national decline in claimant numbers between 2020 and 2024 – Buckinghamshire has seen a 7.6% increase in claimants over the same period. Under the proposed changes, eligible recipients would move to a ‘banded’ system designed to accelerate claim processing from 29 days to 10 days, make applications simpler and improve stability for households whose income varies.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Robert Carington, said:
“It’s vital that residents on low incomes continue to receive the right support through this scheme, and we want to make sure the system remains clear, efficient and financially sustainable. The council continues to face considerable financial pressure, particularly in the context of the Government’s Fair Funding Review 2.0, which will divert significant funding away from Buckinghamshire in the coming financial year.
“These proposed changes would better support those who need the scheme most while creating a simpler, more sustainable system that saves money for the council and taxpayers overall.
“With only a few days left until the consultation closes, I want to encourage residents to take part and share their views. Whether or not you currently receive Council Tax Reduction, your feedback matters and will help shape the future of the scheme, so please have your say before 2 February.”