Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment considered the report which sought approval for the implementation of the new Discretionary Relief Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.  The report summarised the proposed changes to the Haringey Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy for the Award of Discretionary Reductions in Council Tax Liability under Section 13A(1)(c) Local Government Finance Act 1992 to be introduced from 1^st November 2023. The report also recommended options to improve the applicant’s experience.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment RESOLVED to

1.            Agree the new Discretionary Relief Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and note that it will come into force on 1^st November 2023.

Reasons for decision

The Discretionary Relief Policy is a way the Council can redistribute the financial burden on Council Taxpayers and provide additional support to those in exceptional financial hardship due to extenuating circumstances.

The reasons for proposing the key changes are as follows.

Including homeowners

The key change in the policy is to extend the discretion to include homeowners where previously they were automatically excluded. This means that every request can be considered on its individual merit regardless of tenure type. The previous limitation on the policy that it can only be awarded to non-homeowners has also been removed in order to maximise the Council’s discretion to help residents facing hardship. There may be situations where there is little or no value, or even negative value, in a home, or where it might be inappropriate to sell or borrow against a home. This change allows the Council to consider such factors in making a decision on hardship.

Clarifying that a council officer may make an application behalf of the council taxpayer.

This will allow officers to support residents through the process and ensure that the most vulnerable residents are adequately represented.

Providing an email address for applications

This will allow applications to be directed to the decision-maker more quickly

Appending the income and expenditure form and ensuring that applicants provide details of any savings or other assets

This clarifies the information requirements and provides for a structured submission of supporting evidence in the event that a Single Financial Statement is not available.

Amending the scheme to seek to make it easier to understand

The policy has been re-drafted to clarify the criteria and to emphasise the support and assistance with the application process that is available for applicants.

Alternative options considered

No change to the existing Discretionary Relief Policy

This is not recommended because amending the scheme will help council tax payers to access the support on offer and improve their experience.