100% council tax support renewal for vulnerable residents passes first step at Lib Dem-led HDC

Plans to renew a scheme which means the most financially vulnerable residents in Huntingdonshire don’t have to pay council tax have passed their first step this evening (Thurs 5th Nov) - with council papers showing nearly 4000 households benefiting from the top level of support.

Councillors on Huntingdonshire District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny (Environment, Communities, and Partnerships) Committee considered the proposed plans to continue HDC’s current Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2027/28 financial year. The scheme allows low-income, working-age residents to claim a Council Tax discount of up to 100% if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The 100% support policy was first introduced by the council’s Joint Administration for the 2024/25 financial year, increasing the level of support the most financially vulnerable residents could receive from 80% to 100%.

The report considered by the panel showed that nearly 4000 households currently benefit from 100% support, and over 5000 households currently benefit from some level of support under the scheme. The report also shows processing times for support applications have made processing support applications more efficient and reduced the number of Council Tax bills HDC has had to post. Liberal Democrat councillors say this shows the policy is working effectively, providing better and fairer support to vulnerable residents, while also speeding up processing times for support claims and encouraging people to work.

Following the scrutiny panel reviewing the proposed renewal, the scheme will now be considered by the council’s cabinet, who will decide if the scheme should be recommended for approval by full council.

During the meeting, Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Cllr Nathan Hunt (Lib Dem), said:

“HDC’s up-to 100% Council Tax Support Scheme is one of the most important things we do to keep people out of crisis and build a fairer Huntingdonshire.

It puts money back in the pockets of those who need it most, takes a fair and compassionate approach, and helps make processing the scheme much more efficient.”