Tell us your views on Council Tax reduction scheme

We plan to continue with our existing scheme, with the exception that we are proposing to make a small increase to people’s entitlement to reflect the rise in inflation and to bring it in line with other national benefits.

We are also asking residents whether they agree with how the reduction will be funded and on the scheme generally.

You can tell us what you think by completing our short online survey. The closing date for comments is Sunday 27 September 2015.

Cost of living increase 

Cllr Rita Renton, Executive Member for Housing and Welfare, said: "We are intending to moderately increase the Council Tax reduction households receive to keep it in line with rises in the cost of living and other benefits, so people will not be worse off under the council’s local scheme. We would welcome your views on this proposal and on the scheme generally as part of our annual review."

Following the consultation, a report will be considered by the Executive in November, followed by Full Council in December. Any revisions will take effect from April 2016, once the inflationary increase is known.

Annual review 

The Council Tax reduction scheme assists people on a low income with their Council Tax. It replaced the national Council Tax Benefit scheme in 2013, with some changes to reflect the reduction in government funding towards the new scheme. The council must review its scheme each year. 

In Reigate and Banstead we have just over 6,000 households receiving a reduction in their Council Tax because they are on a low income, are unemployed, have a disability or are retired. This includes around 2,500 households who are not affected by the local reduction scheme because they are pensioners.

Council Tax reduction scheme consultation