A public consultation has launched today on proposed changes to South Cambridgeshire District Council’s working age Local Council Tax Support scheme, which aims to provide greater support and improved outcomes for customers.
The consultation will enable residents and stakeholders to provide input on the proposed changes. This will allow the Council to assess the potential effects on residents. Additionally, the changes aim to streamline administration, improve efficiency, as well as align with other local authorities and prepare for future changes to local government.
A finalised scheme based on the outcomes of the consultation will be presented to a Full Council meeting in February – when District Councillors will decide whether to adopt it.
A summary of the proposed changes:
- Use of Universal Credit new claim notifications as application and award date - this change aims to reduce the risk of residents missing out on support due to delays in submitting their Council Tax Support application or the application being received after their Universal Credit award is issued.
- Revisions to backdating provisions – extend the backdating period up to 12 months and allow claims to be backdated to the date the Council Tax liability has been notified.
- Simplification of non-dependant deductions – by introducing a flat-rate deduction.
- Alignment of disability and carer premiums with Universal Credit - align the value of disability and carer premiums in the Local Council Tax Support calculation with those used in Universal Credit so residents can better understand their entitlement.
- Simplifying income bands and adjustment rules - reduce the number of income bands and introduce rules to disregard minor income changes.
- Enhancements to award notification processes – by providing full award details via the online portal and include key information in Council Tax notifications.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr John Williams, said: “The proposed changes aim to ensure residents receive the support they are entitled to, and I encourage people to take part in the consultation. The Council’s means-tested banded discount scheme continues to provide up to 100% support for working-age residents, ensuring support reaches those most in need. Following a comprehensive review in 2023/24, the scheme was confirmed to be both robust and responsive - offering vital support to residents facing financial uncertainty during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.”
The public consultation has started and runs until 11:59pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025. Residents will be able to have their say by completing the online consultation. Paper copies of the consultation available on request by email to engage@scambs.gov.uk.
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