Council agrees changes to strengthen financial support for low-income households

The CTS scheme helps reduce the amount of Council Tax that people on low incomes must pay. The Executive have approved plans to increase income bands by 3.5%, reflecting increases in inflation, wages and benefits. Without this change, expected increases could push some households into higher payment bands, reducing the support they currently receive. 

Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, said: "We know many households across West Oxfordshire are continuing to face financial pressures, and we want to make sure the support we offer reflects the challenges residents are experiencing. 

"By increasing the Council Tax Support income bands, we're helping protect the support residents rely on. We're also making our Hardship Fund more flexible, so we can better respond to residents facing exceptional difficulties and make sure help is available when it's needed." 

The Executive approved improvements to its Hardship Fund, which provides additional financial assistance to residents struggling to pay their Council Tax. The changes would give the Council greater flexibility to support residents facing exceptional financial difficulties 

Previously, the fund could not provide support for previous financial years, regardless of an individual's circumstances. Under the updated policy, the Council will now be able to consider backdated applications where residents can demonstrate financial hardship and circumstances that previously prevented them from applying. This will enable individual circumstances to be taken into account and ensure residents are not automatically excluded from receiving help. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and supported by appropriate evidence. 

The Council will carry forward remaining Hardship Fund funding into 2027/28, ensuring additional help remains available for residents who need it. 

Alongside this financial support, Council officers will continue working closely with residents to help them manage bills, access benefits they may be entitled to and connect with other local services offering assistance. 

The updated CTS scheme will take effect from April 2027. 

For more information about CTS and help with household finances, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/council-tax