North Tyneside Council wants everyone living in North Tyneside to have a fairer and better quality of life.
One of the ways the Council does this is by providing help to thousands of low-income households by reducing their council tax bill.
The Council is considering moving from its Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) to a new, simpler income banded scheme, like many other councils in the region and country.
This change would affect residents of working age (typically between 16 and 66) who claim CTS. It will not affect pensioners as Government makes the rules around the pensionable age scheme.
The new scheme will be fairer, with some paying more and some paying less. Around 80% of people will be better off.
There is more information, including Frequently Asked Questions on the Our North Tyneside Voice website.
Why the Council wants to change the Council Tax Support Scheme:
- To make it easier for residents to understand what they are entitled to
- The introduction of Universal Credit, which is gradually replacing older benefits, has created the need for change. Universal Credit recipients need to provide us with a lot of information to claim Council Tax Support and are subject to frequent changes in their entitlement
- To continue supporting those on the lowest incomes
- To make sure our funds are going to those who need it most.