Each year, the Council was required to formally adopt and review a Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) by 31 January to commence on the 1 April of that year.  The report had been scrutinised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) on 22 November 2021 and a copy of the Minutes arising from the OSC meeting had been appended to the report for Cabinet’s consideration.

Two changes were proposed for the 2022/23 scheme namely to improve access for self-employed people who were also carers and self-employed residents who were registered disabled.  The Council was legally required to consult with the community and stakeholders on substantive changes to the CTRS.  All major preceptors had been consulted and one objection had been received.  The CTRS was expected to have a relatively small impact on the total income (approximately £4,000) derived from Council Tax for Rother District Council but would make an important difference to those households affected.  The uptake and ultimate cost would be monitored throughout 2022/23 and would be considered when the CTRS was next reviewed.

Cabinet was supportive of the proposed changes to the CTRS.

RECOMMENDED: That the changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme as outlined in this report be approved and adopted with effect from 1 April 2022.