Council Tax Reduction 2022-23 (Earnings Bracket scheme)

Theme

Mentions

Fairness – low earner support welcomed; support those who need it, but people should contribute to society when can afford.

“It makes sense to help people on very low or no income particularly if they have children and are in receipt of Universal Credit. But as you earn more you are more able to make a contribution to the provision of local services. Nobody likes paying taxes but services we take for granted don't come for free. But we live in a fair society so it is right to help those who find themselves in difficult situations, often through no fault of their own”

62

People / I do not have enough income and only just about managing to get by

“People with very low incomes need help. The cost living rises really hurt.  I have been their and sometimes I would limit my use of the kettle as I had very little money left on my pre-paid meter.  I would even not put lights on and go to bed to stay warm, this is no way to live…. Being on extremely low income is one causes of my ill health”

36

Discount should be higher, or 100% (ie those who have no income should pay less, or nothing)

“I don't think people with no earnings should have to pay 18% of their council tax as UC is far too low anyway so having to pay CT out of it is unreasonable.  I also feel the thresholds are too low to start paying more. However I appreciate that the council has had their funding slashed and are trying to spread the deficit - but it might be better to charge more CT from higher earners to make up the difference”

24

Costs too much / impact on other services/ ct bill will be higher / should not cost too much additional funding / council should be more efficient with their spending and services

“Reduce council tax for everybody.

It’s already too high and increases every year. As a higher earner, I’m fed up of paying to support others through taxation. Reduce council tax for all income groups. We already support lower income groups through income tax”

23

Remove or limit CTR / everyone should contribute by paying most or all of the bill / Disincentivises work / people will want to stay on benefits

“Why does this even need to be done.
Look at the current state of the job market. Employers are begging for staff and yet you are offering more money for people to stay at home.
Absolutely crazy”

19

Council Tax is too high and/or unaffordable

“Think cost of living in Brighton and Hove is already very high and most uc claimants are already financially struggling. Our council tax is very expensive as is the rent in the area.”

16

Confused about how the calculations work, or about the question I’m answering

15

Non Dependents should pay something towards the Council Tax

“I don't think that it's unreasonable to ask working adult children living in the household to make a contribution to the provision of local services.  A single amount simplifies the system whilst ensuring those who can afford it, pay their part.”

12

Simplicity of the scheme is welcomed

“Seems more straight forward for what I have read on here  makes sense less paperwork”

7

Non Deps struggle with their income and cannot easily contribute / they should not pay anything

“non-dependant deductions are often unaffordable for non-deps. if they are on a low income £8 per week is a large portion of their income. this expense is rarely collected from the non-dep and expense is often passed on to the main claimant and adds to their hardship.

non-dep deductions should be simplified for all working age CTR claims if possible. not just the UC claimants - simplifying the scheme doesn't work if there is one rule for those on UC and another for those not on UC.”

7

Proposed scheme / combination of scheme is too complex

“I just think it’s massively over complicated

If you aren’t earning very much money-even if your work patterns and income fluctuate you shouldn’t have the added stress and worry of ever-fluctuating council tax. It’s just one more thing to worry about. There should be a blanket exemption if you’re on any level of UC or housing benefit.”

6

Would prefer a means-tested scheme, or one that’s more sensitive to circumstances

“Every situation is different and should be means tested and the level of savings increased as with no reduction savings are used to live off until it is gone. They the claiment will be very poor indeed”

5

It sounds good for admin savings

“No it makes sense to me. Seems obvious if it saves funds for hours spent by the council figuring out all these different amounts. Then the funds can be spent where they are needed more.”

5

Disability should be reflected more fairly in the scheme

“My husband is on a minimum wage and I am registered disabled.  We used to get somevhelp with our council tax but we now get nothing.  His money has gone up by literally a few pence an hour and we are struggling massively.  I think if a household has a disabled person and just a minimum hourly rate we should be entitled to extra help.  In the winter months I have to use alot more heating etc which is a struggle because our extra fuel money now has to go on council tax, seems very unfair.”

5

Council Tax scheme overall should change (this is outside of the scope of the consultation)

5

Other themes with less than 5 mentions each:

Non-dependent deduction can cause friction at home

The scheme should incentivise work

Please support single people

Fraud risk – the council may not be told the full income position of people claiming

Fixed non-dep deductions are clearer

The bandings need tweaking / there are cliff edges in the scheme

Scheme is too simple/ Earnings brackets are too blunt a tool

Non-dependent changes should apply to the non-UC scheme as well

Recovery processes and Council Tax collection should be improved.

How much do you agree or disagree with the proposed earnings brackets and discounts? - Why do you agree or disagree with the proposed earnings brackets and discounts?

Strongly agree / tend to agree

Fairer

Even though I lose out, I welcome the simplistic focus on earnings over complicated formulas based on the status of a household. This will better support low earners.

It makes sense to help people on very low or no income particularly if they have children and are in receipt of Universal Credit. But as you earn more you are more able to make a contribution to the provision of local services. Nobody likes paying taxes but services we take for granted don't come for free. But we live in a fair society so it is right to help those who find themselves in difficult situations, often through no fault of their own.

Simplified and easier to understand

Good idea, but maybe expand the bracket 1 (18%) to include some very low earnings, say up to £50? You might only earn £20-£30 for a couple of hours work but it equates to 2% of your CT bill

Easier to understand

i am a pensioner as is my wife we have never claimed any discount on our council tax

(you should have put in the table that it was weekly earnings - I thought at first it was monthly and got pretty confused!)

How much will cost to look at people’s income that can change each month?

I think council tax should apply to all residents. I think universal credits are an atrocious way to treat the vulnerable in society and is designed to push the poorest even further down. Instead there should be a assessment done taking in account ability and opportunities for each individual. Council tax should be something every one pays out of what ever their income is (benefits or salary). That way perhaps more people would respect what the council tax covers.

Although as I understand, it will cost the council more, in the long run it’s a much fairer system and will help more people the most in need of that help and support.

Good match to uc brackets

It seems like a fair distribution of assistance

They are a help rather than a dependancy

Those with low incomes cannot afford the tax, especially when many are facing huge increases in fuel and food costs

Treats people more fairly

I just think that those earning less should pay less

I believe that people on higher earnings should pay higher council taxes Including people on higher benifits.

Because its fairer and more helpful to people on low or no incomes

UC is an in work benefit and those persons on the minimum wage need support as do those persons who are not working but will see there is support available if they start work.  The one bill, excluding rent, CT is a large cost  and stops people from taking work as they can end up being worse off.  Although this will cost more to the council, long term this could benefit everyone as hopefully more people will go into work and potentially pay 100% of their CT.  Any help to the cost of living should be welcomed as the cost of living is going up plus any incentive to move people into work is good planning.  There are a percentage of people who will always be fully supportive this is part of community, society and democracy we live in.

I think the poorer in our society should be supported.
I am concerned that this is about saving admin costs, rather than actually helping people - call me cynical

More people on low incomes should be helped by richer people.

You seem to be trying to be fair

It’s a good idea for people to pay according to their living income rather than a set rate which may be out of reach in their budget

It seems fair and more should be done to help low income families.

Encouraging saving.

I have been out of a job since <<redacted>>.  My husband left me the same week and does not support me financially.  I currently pay £282 per month and am running out of savings.  What happens if I can't get a job in my profession or have to take something lower paid and can't cover my utilities and council tax???

If no income is earned surely you would have 100% CTR.  Many families are in trouble financially and one of the problems is that they must find 18% of their Council Tax Bill from the other benefits they receive.

because the taxi is too high

Because it is a fairer uniform way of apportioning realistic earnings (net income) against council tax. It links in a more equitable way to ability to pay benefiting households with proportionate support.

My only concern is a percentage of Zero earners are not there by choice, sadly there will be those that are by choice. Those that cannot work are reducing their benefits to support the small few that can earn.

The council tax payment should be based on your earnings fully, paying more the higher  earners. There will be mother's who claim tax credits, are these taking into consideration to ppay less council tax?.. I strongly agree council  tax bills are too high indeed for tge average earner.

Make the système fairer to everyone involved

People on lower incomes need greater support

We need to help those who have nil or little income. The cut-off point would depend on their situation and not just their incomes.

I think it would be fair if these brackets are put in place and apply to anyone on universal credit, not just people renting. At the moment homeowners are exempt.

People with very low incomes need help. The cost living rises really hurt.  I have been their and sometimes I would limit my use of the kettle as I had very little money left on my pre-paid meter.  I would even not put lights on and go to bed to stay warm, this is no way to live. now I a on PIP due <<health conditions redacted>>.  Being on extremely low income is one causes of my ill health.

I feel Brighton is a supportive community and with the reduction in universal credit and price rises in bills we should be doing all we can to counter  the cruel Tory policy decisions that are making it hard for people to manage and live!

I am earning <<redacted>>£/month as single mom with 2, a monthly rent of <<redacted>>£, and now have to pay 175£/month for Council Tax PLUS all the rest... I agree with Anything that cancels that impossible tax I cannot definì pay!

If it is not manageable to assess total income then any form of increased support and distribution to those that need it makes sense to me.

the proposal is reasonable. My understanding, If more reduction is offered, the gap has to be bridged from somewhere. It is going to be difficult to attract funding from the central government.

Seems more straight forward for what I have read on here  makes sense less paperwork

I don't think people with no earnings should have to pay 18% of their council tax as UC is far too low anyway so having to pay CT out of it is unreasonable.  I also feel the thresholds are too low to start paying more. However I appreciate that the council has had their funding slashed and are trying to spread the deficit - but it might be better to charge more CT from higher earners to make up the difference

Hello,

My main point of contention with the the current CTR and proposed CTR scheme is the 18% charge made for people who have no earning whatsoever. An unemployed single person receives £72.00 per week in Universal Credit plus their rent money.

The Government stipulates that this is the minimum amount of money that an individual needs to live on in the United Kingdom: so how then, in good conscience, can anyone take away a portion of this money?

It is at the thinnest edge of the wedge were any reduction in income is felt and experienced most acutely. The poorer you are the more value every pound has, so to charge a person £180 - £200 pounds per year for Council Tax when all they have is £72.00 per week is shameful. That's roughly 3 weeks, of their, income!

It would, therefore, be my opinion that the 18% charge (or any charge) for those with no earnings be scrapped altogether as not to do so is to drive the poorest in society into abject poverty.   

Thank You,

<<name redacted>>
Hove Resident

It seems fair in principle.

I suppose if I understand properly that this can help a  lot the people special in this difficult time

currently, too many people who are higher earners are benefitting from ctr. they are not struggling. they dont need to have a discount

It seems fairer for all with a wider spread of fairer discounts. If I’ve understood it correctly!

I live in a rented flat and the rent is so high and my wages is the minimum,  single mum with 3 kids. I cant save for anything.  I can't afford to go to the dentist.

Seem proportionate.

I believe in socialism.

I believe it is a fairer scheme than previously

This is a tough balance between the additional cost to the Council, when their budgets are so tight, whilst providing support to those in need.  The proposed levels look reasonable as a start, and also mean that the scheme can be flexed in future to suit the Council Budget i.e. the brackets can be raised and lowered.

If people are receiving UC, they cannot meet their daily expenses so it is reasonable to receive CTR as well.

The coulcil tax has to be fair.

The seem fair enough

This will save on admin costs and the brackets are quite close.  As with universal credit, if people earn more they become more self sufficient.

Many areas Brighton are areas of deprivation, Poverty is departmental to people and their family’s health. More help is needed for these people as it is a trap, they do not know to get out off, money is very big issue and every penny counts. So, any increase could be a crisis for these families. Moreover, help us who work in these communities.

<<name redacted>>
On Your Way jobclubs and Digital Inclusion for the eldery

I just want things to be easier for people on UC - life is hard enough with that little money!!

I am not fully sure how this will affect people, but it seems to be generally beneficial and trust that you have looked carefully at choosing the levels. Presumably this will need to change again if there are any changes in the UC scheme

They are graduated.  If your examples are representative, in most people cases will be the same or better off.  Consideration should be given to circumstances where people will be worse off and whether any changes could or should e made to mitigate this.

I believe we each have a right to a 'minimum income' and that this minimum should be preserved for the 'long term potential' of their situation, at all costs - including the repayment of debt/s. That is to say that the minimum income should consider an individuals long term potential to exist on such an income, as they may have no potential to increase their income. A Higher Tax Bracket, for those who fall into an 'abnormally high' income, should pay higher Tax.

Everyone needs a stake in society and to maintain the habit of paying bills.

Neither agree nor disagree / unsure or don’t know

it is hard to have an idea of if the brackets and discount amounts make sense without financial examples based on the brackets and how they reflect for amounts for each council tax band to know what they would translate to in financial terms.

what people earn on paper is not what they have in their pocket each month,

You should think about the people who are moving from Universal credit to a job and have previous debts will have more debts with a minimum work which also means that they need help and not the payment of a total of 100% as you stabilize it in some of your examples

I cannot make sense of all the information.  It seems helpful if you are on Universal Credit. But what if you are not, will you have to pay more? In that case I would not favour it. Will there still be single person discount? As a single person not on universal credit I would not favour this scheme if it would cost more for me. Council tax is already very high. However I agree in principle with making it easier for people on low incomes I think only people on very high incomes , ie 80k plus should pay more as a result of any changes.

I am concerned about this as there are many people who are just meeting the minimum when they are not entitled to any benefits and they have to pay full taxex. And after all taxex they have even less than those who don't pay or have theyr taxex reduced. And those who get benefits are living on the others accounts.

Think cost of living in Brighton and Hove is already very high and most uc claimants are already financially struggling. Our council tax is very expensive as is the rent in the area.

I don't think anyone on universal credit should pay council tax

There are issues around what people declare that they earn (say, on PAYE) and what they actually earn (e.g. cash in hand). 
Whilst the above earnings brackets for CTR and the point at which a household must pay most or all of their Council Tax suggests that we should allow those households to earn more before they pay, say, 80% or 100% of their Council Tax, this is problematic because some households earn cash in hand.  On reflection therefore the earnings brackets are probably reasonable as they are.

Not fully understood

The tax brackets are so uneven anyway . Some property’s are not in my opinion in the correct bracket but system is old!
In the same respect just because your in a certain area doesn’t mean you can pay the same amount of tax as your neighbours as we all have different circumstances
For me if it was done by earnings it would be a lot fairer to people on benefits

Is this based on weekly income?  (Sorry, that's not clear.)

I am not in a situation in which I could judge if the the proposed discounts would be enough for those affected by the change.

This is hugely complex and multiple factors involved. Sceptical as many get benefits who shouldn’t, and many more should be working more.  This needs to be very robust and carefully analysed by claimant.  FT taxpayers bear the brunt for it all, so we need cast iron guarantees that the right and thorough checks are in place.

I have no idea how these figures can be fairly arrived at.

If we have a single amount for a non-dependent deduction…: - Do you have any further comments about non-dependent deductions?

Strongly agree / tend to agree

It shouldn't be scrapped entirely, but as non-dependent residents are likely to be low earners by virtue of living with a UC claimant, a fixed amount to deduct from CTR would be welcome and easily understood. Also, assessing income of non-claimants is invasive and shouldn't be necessary but they also must contribute something.

non-dependant deductions are often unaffordable for non-deps. if they are on a low income £8 per week is a large portion of their income. this expense is rarely collected from the non-dep and expense is often passed on to the main claimant and adds to their hardship.
non-dep deductions should be simplified for all working age CTR claims if possible. not just the UC claimants - simplifying the scheme doesn't work if there is one rule for those on UC and another for those not on UC.

I don't think that it's unreasonable to ask working adult children living in the household to make a contribution to the provision of local services.  A single amount simplifies the system whilst ensuring those who can afford it, pay their part.

the single amount should, at minimum, be the National Living Wage of £8.91. If someone isnt even earning this, they dont have money spare for council tax.

This is assuming the non dependant is working and are on minimal wage which is lower than £8. The national insurance rise next year needs to be taken into account

if they are earning ok money they should contribute more and not be a liability to the rest of us

Nothing if living with parent as they already pay c tax

This question is very confusingly worded.

This is such a difficult question to answer.  I think young people who are working need to understand responsibility and help support their family.  Lone parents struggle as do 2 parent families,  asking their young adults to contribute could result in arguments the parent/S paying saving disagreements or the parent/s asking their young adults to leave the family home, this could then put more pressure on the council to rehouse these young adults.  I’ve wavered over the fixed £8 it’s fraught but with education/media climate change I do think young people understand.  Perhaps where this cost is applied a separate letter should be sent to the young person explaining why they need to pay

Money doesn’t grow on trees and the council doesn’t get enough help from central government

Multiple occupancy households have a greater demand on council services which are already subsidised by council tax payeds

All working adults should have a responsibility to pay towards Council Services.

I don't think i understand the current system enough to comment on this, so ignore this answer

If it is possible to raise it say 10 and then allow for slippage as well as possible cases where circumstances mean it was possible to let deserving people exclude themselves from the payment, that makes sense.

It's good that B and H are trying to reduce admin and help the poorest  even if it is by small amounts.

If the person is actively looking for work, then he/she deserve deduction

Only think it's right if you work you pay your share

Non dependants is a confusing term even after it’s explained as lodgers are not non dependants but are unrelated adults

I believe that council tax should not be for the amount of people in any property, it should be charged on the property and nothing else.

No

No

Due to extreme financial stress the non-dependent may be told to leave as a result an extra homeless person for the council to deal with and extra much more costs involved

Of course anyone living as a non dependent must pay. Sharing someones home must be sharing the cost and paid with rent

I do feel that non dependent residents need to contribute to the overall housing costs and that £8.00 a week is a manageable amount.

This issue is them paying it and not putting the financial load on the main resident.

Possibly introduce a discretionary assesment for cases where the non dependent reduction caises hardship so that households can apply to remove it if needed

It's not fair in some cases I have for example a son ages 22 and can not work because he as PTSD he is having treatment but this can take years

It is a shame that these benefits have to be so complicated. I am not sure what level is fair or appropriate

The amount could be raised to a manageable amount whilst maintaining enough pressure to incentivise personal responsibility.

I am of the opinion that the underlying focus should be to encourage work. So, keep the deductions as small as possible.

The impact this deduction can have on households, family relationships and mental health can be very substantial. The funds raised by this deduction are not a great amount and on balance removing this deduction will have a greater beneficial impact for our clients.

Strongly disagree / tend to disagree

i have 2 children with disabilities that do not work, as they are <<age redacted>>, i think that parents that have children with disabilities should not have to pay the full council tax amount each month.

Reducing the current cost for non dependents will increase the cost burden to the council and potentially affect other services.

I think working people should contribute.

We should have a deduction of more than £8.00 because it would help people who are out of work to contribute to the council tax.

It sounds as though the proposal to reduce the non-dependent deduction is based almost purely on simplification of the system. 
A non-dependent who is earning should absolutely contribute to the household budget.  To remove the requirement for them to do so, suggests to that individual that being self-reliant is not required in our society.  If a non-dependent is bringing £300 per week into the household the current deduction of £14.90 is a very modest contribution.

You should make more effort to enforce payment of council tax punctually.

I BELIEVE IF A HOUSEHOLD HAS 3 PEOPLE THEY SHOULDNT GET ANY DISCOUNT IF NON DEPENDED IS WORKING

Not really sure why removing a deduction costs the council more

No

Neither agree nor disagree / unsure or don’t know / no answer

No

No idea

No I have a non dependent living with me who doesn't work pays no rent and doesn't claim benefit I should get sum help

not sure

This is the most confusing survey I have ever done!

That's too confusing so I need to pass.  I'm not exactly simple minded but 2nd reading of that was more confusing than first so no idea.  Not risking a third go at the riddle.

I don't really gave an opinion any more

Who lives in the house is immaterial, I agree with the single occupant reduction but a reduction based on who is earning again penalises those who earn and support themselves.

Do you have any final comments about the Council Tax Reduction / Earnings Bracket scheme? - Q7

comments from those who strongly agreed/tended to agree with making the scheme more supportive

Landlords should contribute to the economy of the Council when they rent out. Also the empty property CT relief should be abolished

Strongly support this scheme.

I don't support the CT/CTR system. The rich should be paying much more and low earners nothing at all. Overall, I support the changes as better than before, but it still entrenches and will continue to allow the expansion of the economic oppression of the working class. Progressive Counci Tax announced a few years back seemed a much better way to go but the officers failed to advise to test the idea in court, and councillors voted against taking the small risk of legal testing. The council needs to be far more legally imaginative to force funds from the wealthy to alleviate the burden on those with little or no wealth.

though you are attempting to simplify the scheme. the fact that there will be a different scheme for pensioners, working age on UC and working age not on UC means that it seems like in many ways it will make it more complicated rather than less.
it seems especially unfair that non-dep deductions will be different for the different schemes - can there just be one scheme for working age people regardless of if they are on UC?
will the capital limit of £6000 be scrapped for those on the new scheme? again, the difference between these different schemes seems unfair and over complicated.
please build in some transitional protection for those that are worse off under the new scheme.
does this proposed new scheme discriminate against larger families who would usually have a higher applicable amount which would factor in their higher expenses as a result of having more children - so the bracket scheme doesn't benefit them as they are treated the same as a single person even though their cost of living would be much higher?

I fully support the proposed changes.

Thank you for the survey and the opportunity to participate and provide feedback to support the Council to make more informed decisions about the views of residents.

parents with disabled children or disabled adults living with them should get a reduction on their council tax, it is hard enough without having to find extra money when we have so much extra money to pay out as it is

Has anyone actually worked out how much difference it would make to cut out ALL the bureaucracy and blanket exempt people who are at the poorest end of society and don’t need any more stress in their life

Charging Council Tax to people on UC makes no sense. They are being sent money that they must then send back. UC is already barely enough to get by on now that the covid bonus has been removed (which should be reinstated as standard), and having to lose a large chunk of it to council tax, especially when you have little control over what council tax code area you are living in, due to UC being so low you cant easily move house, is unfair, and can make life near unliveable.

Council tax keeps going up for the average household who just about manage to scrape by in this city. Why not tax wealthy property developers/land owners a bit more for the good of the community?

You should think about the people who are moving from Universal credit to a job and have previous debts will have more debts with a minimum work which also means that they need help and not the payment of a total of 100% as you stabilize it in some of your examples

A lot of low earners could be receiving no U.C. your scheme would be better to help low earners who are not on benefits or not on many benefits

People raising children in a place where money is very low and old age pension should be allowed more money off as there is so much too pay for and so little money

The whole UC scheme is badly designed anyway. A couple of quid per week will not drastically change the life of people on UC.  Surely some of them should be exempt full stop.

I pay same amount of council tax as someone working and earning thousands of pounds.I am single on a pension getting 25 per cent discount.Why not give me more of a discount.

It seems to be that this scheme would make it more affordable to contribute to society. It does make it quite irritating for anyone making more money.

It is unclear how much the proposals will affect council tax for others at a time when everyone faces significant downward pressures on household budgets and before the knowledge of Spending Review allocations to councils after suffering covid impacts on budgets.
The change to CTR should proportionately reflect changes to council tax for most tax bands as even for middle earners the annual 5% increases over the past couple of years have massive impact on affordability.
Given that there are potential changes to national tax (NI contributions) for all wages on the way, and potential changes to UC and other systems, is this the best time to link CTR to net earnings and savings?
It is unclear whether assets are accounted for in the formula - if not, maybe they should in the same way savings are (being cash poor is not true if you have lots of assets) to prevent abuse of the system.

I am a single parent and work 18 hours per week. Due to my hourly rate i hardly qualify for alot. My daughter is at uni so doesn't work but as she is a non dependent i get nothing for her.

It’s  a scheme that has been needed since the change  in the benefits system. I wish you luck and hope it succeeds.

I would appreciate sum financial help towards my council tax as I don't earn enough to feed myself but I do pay all my bills

It looks basically ok. It should be a help not a major reduction

Would the earning bracket scheme run along side the single person's discount?

There are many luxury homes and people who can afford more on their Council tax, this tax is a heavier burden to those on state benefits or have low or no income

The Council needs to do more in order to align the schemes, but this should not result in the Scheme costing more because the Council needs to remove the administrative loops the misalignment has created. If there is a problem, pouring money into it usually does not help fix the root causes. The Council also needs to consider that reduction in the overall budget affects all residents - perhaps those in need the most, hence it should be more thoughtful in how additional money is being spent on the Scheme that could have been spent elsewhere. Admin processes can be improved with technological solutions that cost less than staff who need to process manually - perhaps an investment in a technical solution would provide a better outcome.

something obviously needs to happen and this feels right.

Look into peoples backgrounds and reasons much more before giving reductions.

Stop changing children for living with parents and stop bedroom.tax

It could include people on low incomes claiming working tax credit

I think this is a great idea to hekp lower income families (I should add that I will not benefit from this scheme).

Given the very high Council Tax rates for people like me who is not eligible for a Reduction, it would be a requirement either to lower them for everyone, or improve and become more efficient the services in the whole city.

Anything that helps those in need is a good thing we are not a 3rd world country

I am v keen to support people in our community and in principle, it’s a good idea.

I am concerned that this is all about saving the council admin time and money, rather than recouping income.

All we hear from the council is how much money they don’t have - yet, they want to stop collecting money owed. You can’t have it both ways.

Council tax has been increasing hugely over the last few years, yet the services and overall service has declined massively. Bins aren’t collected properly, streets aren’t cleaned, weeds in the pavements, parks aren’t being properly maintained, graffiti all over the town centre, homeless people in tents all over the town. It looks dirty, grubby

Why not use the surplus £100k sorting out those issues. When you’ve got on top of the basics and aren’t increasing council tax at eye watering levels, maybe cutting back would be more palatable.

At that point, id be happy to see the poorest being supported - the homeless in our city are amongst them - what are you doing to help them? Nothing

Covid has been an incredibly convenient excuse for delivering second rare services for too long

This is a rich council, help poor people please. Have some humanity.

Council has so many responsibilities to local people in need. I am just grateful you try and do whatever is financially possible from your limited funds for those in a financial hole

None

I would be interested to know where the additional budget will be taken from and what the Equality Impact Assesment of such a change identifies. There is no point in making more people financially more stable through CTR if you are reducing another vital source to them somewhere else, it then becomes futile.

I suggest you try living for a week on the net income levels you are proposing.  I don't think unemployment should be a career option but you should be able to afford a basic balanced diet.  Try it for a week and then tell citizens how easy it is and don't ask us.

The earnings brackets scheme should be a higher amount like £2000.00 per month and not £250 and anybody who earns over £1500 gets a 95% reduction in council tax.  That would mean that a lot of people will get a discount on their council tax bill for 2022.

The poorer sections of society should be helped more

Minimal discount for high end owners , second owners dwellings and vacant ones.

I feel that the current systems and probably the proposed new system are far too complicated.  This is probably exacerbated by UC not being compatible. 
However it makes sense to have a shake up in the current CTR scheme.

The system is rubbish at the moment.  Benefits are not properly explained. Those on low income need clarity and advice on what they are entitled to.

we hope this will be resolved soon because the tax is very  expensive that s why people default

It is good that you are looking into a ways of supporting households in a fairer simpler to understand way.

I have full faith in my Council to make the correct choice, I apricate the opportunity in asking for my views as a full Council Tax payer.

Tax reductions schenes of any kind are a positive step to help families  and single mothers as well as the vulnerable earners, and low income  earners, all these groups need to be taken into account in the scheme.

N/A

Please make this across the board for all people on UC regardless of home ownership. I think it would also be fair for low income families or people who has had reductions in the or income as well. Many Thanks, Natalie

The majority of people cannot live on benefits as they stand, so any help is good.  The government is looking at short term objectives, but they only storing up problems for the future as low incomes result in ill health and greater cost to nation, not mention to peoples suffering and hopelessness.

I am in full support of any scheme that supports people in our community to live without fear of poverty! This is a small contribution to that! The council need to do more!

It still does not seem low enough for very low earners with children. I know the elderly struggle too on a low pension. It just doesn't seem the right support. They need all the help they can get.

I hope it will be reduced as much as possible. With <<rent and earnings redacted>>, 175£ tax... I cannot afford it.

no

You should be transparent on the actual savings in salaries and admin costs if the changes are implemented. People could be re-deployed to focus on arrears collection.

Disgraceful Green Party policy to make benefit claimants and the lowest paid have to pay council tax.

Seems like the cost is offset by the time saved and likely to boost staff morale instead of making them penny pinch from the poor.

No

Its very helpful to lower-income households, so thank you for making these concessions.

Remove council  tax

Does it go far enough to tackle poverty as a consequence of low wages and very high prices?

No it makes sense to me. Seems obvious if it saves funds for hours spent by the council figuring out all these different amounts. Then the funds can be spent where they are needed more.

I believe wholly in anything that will give autonomy and financial freedom to the maximum amount of people.

Everytime I deal with Brighton council, aside from the refuse collectors, who are incredibly hard working, I wonder what on earth all the revenue collected from council tax is spent on. Sloppy, difficult & tatty - Brighton council needs to support its permanent residents better and provide decent services rather than expecting individuals to jump through hoops to get basic amenities.

Make sure thorough checks are in place.

Make the coulcil tax fair, according the real income of the residents.

It's a step in the right direction to review how CTR and UC can work together more efficiently. It's important for you to publicise how CTR's are currently calculated so that the public is made aware of what's currently going on.

 I'm betting most people have no idea that CTR has to be recalculated every month based on an individual's earnings that month.  Which of course as you mention impacts the individual's ability to properly calculate their Council Tax payments and might cause them to fall into arrears or overpay for their Council Tax

The whole process is nightmarish and unnecessary and the government need to take steps to simplify the system to better support both those on low income and local councils. With BoJo the fool in charge one doesn't hold out much hope however.

No thanks

IT appears  o be necessary  and fair. Everyone  should pay something  within  their  means.

Any new scheme should aim to cost as little as possible to administer, so thresholds need to be few and scoop up the most people on low incomes

In principle this sounds like a good financial idea, with not too much affect on the people that need it most.  It also frees up admin costs to support other areas of the council's obligations.

Do because of my previous anwers.

Be kind to people on UC!

As a lone parent working 20 hours per week and claiming universal credit, I find it frustrating that the more hours I work /the more I earn, leads to other supporting benefits being reduced, basically leaving me not much better off. I would like to 'make work pay' as is often quoted by government, but the way the system works, means I am always barely scraping by. If I earn over a certain amount, my universal credit is reduced, my help with council tax, pescriptions and dental costs are reduced, it feels pointless. I want to work my way out of poverty, but with low wages, high rents, high council tax and bills I feel very strongly as though I'm in a 'poverty trap'  Im constantly struggling with finances and im sure many other 'working poor' are too. Please try and help this situation.

Yes please see previous comments not that it will carry any weight to our cause or views or participation in your survey

Maybe after that start giving some actual schemes and bridges for people that can't work but want to be useful. Ways to eventually return to work without removing all their benefits.

Is there any scope for applying the proposed new scheme to those not claiming UC as well so that we had fewer schemes?  Or are there anomalies that would arise?

As a single parent claiming UC who has just started working again, I have seen my council tax go from £60pm to £160pm in one leap because I earned £600 one month. My earnings are not consistent due to zero hour contract and yet the council tax reduction cannot reflect that. A graded system that fairly reflects the amount earned each month would be much fairer.

I worry that any considerations fail to consider the long term potential for individuals who, through previous lack of support or provision have fallen trough the cracks, and may never evolve to an adequate earning potential. In such cases it feels important to apply a higher (or long term) minimum income. The counter-situation is that provision and support has, for many, been successfully met. These should be considered 'the norm' whilst those on abnormally higher incomes might easily return contributions to recover the deficiency.

Comments from those who strongly disagreed / tended to disagree with making the scheme more supportive

Every year council tax automatically increases by 4% and everyone who is currently paying is expected to be able to afford the increase.

There is a significant portion of the working class that fall into this category. What about them?

I don't support any measures that penalise people that work.

Non of the information provided explains where the council will find the additional funds? What other services will be cut or who will receive a larger annual bill?

The single persons allowance needs to stay as it is unfair for 1 person to pay the same as a while family

I don't understand. What about those on a low income who, through no fault of their own, are STILL on legacy benefits either because they haven't had a need to move over (same job for years) or moving to UTC is not beneficial financially (in my case I would be WORSE off on them). I do not get CTR on a 20 hour week, nothing, but on 16 hours a week I got it all paid. Now I pay £100 a month on council tax yet that xtra 4 hours a week for a month just covers it. I am not on UTC. Under the new scheme I would qualify, if I was on UTC. I don't get why people on legacy benefits are punished.

Everyone who is living in the city should pay the tax- they get lots of additional benefits and we just end up paying for them.

To cover the costs from existing council resources will either mean a saving in resourcing costs! Improved productivity) , which was articulated as not haopening as its already costing more. On that basis it means cuts elsewhere, or an increase to council tax. This should be funded from central government and nor relying on local workers to subsidise.

Why does this even need to be done.
Look at the current state of the job market. Employers are begging for staff and yet you are offering more money for people to stay at home.
Absolutely crazy

This is wrong

Everyone should pay the same

Council tax is high enough already and there should not be any further extra costs as a result of this new scheme which otherwise seems logical.

Focus on the services that you offer. We won’t benefit from these proposals on our house. The council tax increases annually but we’re not offered any more in return. Services from B&M council are appalling. Focus on offering value for money.

Thank you for allowing everyone to express their oppinion but instead of implementing this scheme may be think about all the other pressing problems starting with why people end up in this situation on the first place!

This is ridiculous that we are offering less services and expecting people to pay more money.

Everybody who benefits from council services should pay for them

END DISCOUNTS

single person households should not be paying the same as multi persons household. Council tax has been going up year by year and the city is looking worse and worse, where is all this money going?

As far as possible everyone should pay C Tax. Any increase in C Tax should be fully justified. The aim should be to keep the amount the same

Not keen if it costs more, where is that money coming from? Confusing survey

thank you for asking our opinion.

it should be means tested. there are too many people who get this help, and they dont really need it.

With inflation going up increasing taxes is a bad idea

I remember when council tax did not exist.
Personally i feel councils/governments should collect taxes elsewhere. Or include takes in the rents and collect from the landlords. Giving them the responsibility and not the individual or council. Less paperwork for you, more work for landlords who have an easy ride. Councils would then only have to assess private owners to pay.

Reduce Council Tax for everybody especially the part which goes towards bin collections which we often do not get!

No

I hope the suggested efficiencys in administration help offset the increased costs of implementation.

Students should pay council tax, but reduced inline with thier income.

Yes it should be abolished

You will never please everybody. It feels like a decent attempt at fairness.

Comments from those who neither agreed nor disagreed with making the scheme more supportive, or who did not know, or who did not answer

Only that council tax is currently very high.
Each year it has gone up.
The scheme should be fair to all not just those on low incomes who are supported by the state. Simplification seems a good idea. Supporting those on low income is a good idea as long as others don't suffer as a result.

The single persons discount should be raised to at least 40 per cent. Why should a single person pay one and a half times as much as someone who lives with their partner?

If the amount of support is increased will it be covered by savings or will it increase the amount households pay to cover it.  If so what would the impact be?  is it neglible or significant.  This is relevant to a decision that is being made but is not clear.

Yes, I think any benefit schems are encouraging some people to not work. There should be programms of benefits for single mothers without fathers support or similar when one don't have time to work because they're busy looking after another people. But there are a lot of lasy people who just don't work and get all the benefits and live better that ones who work and are not entitled to any help.

Extremely confusing

Whilst some households are in need of the CTR, others are not.  We still have a long way to go before we are able to effectively target the most vulnerable.  In my view, everyone should contribute to their household and to their society.  Contributing to the household and society is an essential social discipline going forward which can underpin getting people back into work.

We need to help people depending on their situation, not just income.

With the current bad economic situation , any increase the taxes should at the minimum and gradual. these are difficult times for everyone

Make life easier for everybody by;
1) fixed threshold earning where a person starts paying council tax eg £300/wk
2) fixed rate for a range £300/wk-400/wk in earnings for example
3) fixed rate for 500/wk- 600/wk OR a fixed increase for every extra £100 increase in earnings.