Some Reading residents will pay less council tax under new plans from the local authority.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) is proposing to increase the amount of council tax support available to residents as part of a series of changes to the scheme next year.

Under the new proposals, people of a working age who are entitled to claim support will be required to make a minimum contribution of 25-30 per cent towards their council tax, down from the current 35 per cent contribution.

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Other changes proposed for the 2022-23 Council Tax Support Scheme include:

  • Removing the working age council tax support minimum of £5 per month. The council says this would reduce the need for re-applications and ensure customers receive the support they need, no matter how small.
  • Increasing the upper limit where people qualify for a council tax reduction from £3,000 to £6,000.
  • Allowing one month of backdating. Currently there is no ability for applicants to get backdated pay. Applicants would need to show there is a good cause.
  • Setting a standard rate of £10 deduction for non-dependants living with the person getting council tax support. Currently, some people have £15 deductions, while others have £10 and others £0 depending on their non-dependants’ working situation. The council says this would cost around £13,000.

RBC leader councillor Jason Brock said: “These are proposals which will make a difference to people in Reading who, depending on the individual circumstances they find themselves in, may be eligible to claim support in paying their council tax.

“The increase in support from the council sits alongside a number of other proposals aimed at making the council tax support scheme run more efficiently and be as equitable as possible for people who may be entitled to claim.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to look out for the consultation details this autumn and take some time to feedback their views.”

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If the plans are agreed at the council’s Policy Committee on Thursday September 23, a statutory eight-week consultation period will follow before responses are considered and the proposals are confirmed.