Have your say to help those on lowest incomes face cost of living pressures

A consultation has been launched on plans to support residents on low incomes, including those in work, facing cost-of-living pressures.

West Suffolk Council is asking residents and stakeholders to have their say on extending for a fourth year a scheme that gives up to a 100 per cent discount on Council Tax.

The move is part of a range of ways the council is supporting communities including those with the highest risk of financial hardship as a result of economic pressures.

The last three years has seen a £1.5 million investment by organisations that set Council Tax precepts in supporting those most in need that meet the criteria.

The public and stakeholders are being asked to have their say on continuing temporarily changing the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for another year for the financial year 2026 to 2027.

This would see the continuation of an increased discount from the previously capped 91.5pc (where those eligible pay a minimum of 8.5pc of their Council Tax) to a maximum discount of 100pc (where those eligible would pay none of their bill).

As part of this year’s engagement the council is asking residents as well as partners and those who set Council Tax such as parish, town and the county councils their views on whether to do this for another year.

The average working-age recipient of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) would receive up to an additional £120 discount on their Council Tax for the single year compared to if the previous cap was reinstated.

The proposal is highly targeted to reach those who are already on means-tested benefits, many of whom are working, and has low administrative cost.

This could see around 4,700 residents continuing to benefit and represents over £500,000 in a one year investment by organisations that set Council Tax precepts in supporting those who meet the criteria.

The cost to the council would be worked through the 2026 to 2027 budget setting process.

By providing additional support to residents the aim is to help avoid crisis situations, for example, homelessness and fewer applications for Exceptional Hardship Payments from those in receipt of Council Tax support.

This is a temporary measure and if agreed the West Suffolk Council’s LCTRS would be reviewed for the next budget round starting in April 2027.

People can have their say by visiting https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Council/Consultations/proposed-changes-local-ct-reduction-scheme-2026-2027.cfm or https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WestSuffolkLCTRS/

The consultation opened yesterday (October 28) and closes on November 25.

Diane Hind, the cabinet member for Resources for West Suffolk Council, said: “Cost of living, and other economic pressures are continuing to hit many people.

“Which is why I am pleased that the council is once again looking at extending for the 2026-27 year this reduction in Council Tax.

“This reduction will help people on low incomes, including those working, to help keep their heads above water in these difficult financial times.

“Last year more than 4,000 people were helped by this scheme.

“It is part of a range of ways the council is delivering to ensure we have thriving communities in West Suffolk, including supporting those with the highest risk of financial hardship.”