Have your say on Swansea’s Council Tax Reduction scheme

Council Tax Benefit was abolished on 31 March 2013 as part of the UK Government’s Welfare Reform programme and replaced with the Council Tax Reduction scheme

Responsibility for the scheme in Wales was devolved to the Welsh Government. Currently, a national scheme applies to all local authority areas in Wales with limited areas of local discretion.

Each financial year the Council is required to consider whether to replace or revise those discretionary elements and as part of this process we wish to consult on the discretionary elements of the scheme which will become effective from 1 April 2024.

Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said: “The Council Tax Reduction scheme has benefited thousands of residents over the years and during the cost of living crisis it’s really important that the discretionary part the council is in charge of is as fair as possible.

There is some scope for discretion on parts of the scheme and that’s why the Council is running a consultation on the issue and we’d urge as many people as possible to join in.”

Issues to be raised in the consultation include back-dated claims, the effect of war and war widow pensions on the level of entitlement and for how long a reduction can continue once a claimant has started work. Any changes to the scheme will be introduced in April next year.

The consultation will run from 6th November 2023 to 3rd December 2023.

To join in the consultation, go to:

www.swansea.gov.uk/ctrconsultation

or fill in a consultation form available at the contact centre, libraries and area housing offices, or one can be requested by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01792 636767.