A six-week consultation launched on Wednesday, November 26 by North Somerset Council is inviting feedback on plans to reduce the level of support offered through the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme, which could take effect from April 1, 2026.
The proposed changes would see the maximum reduction for eligible working-age residents drop from 75.5 per cent of their council tax bill to 65.5 per cent.
Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said: “The council is facing the most challenging financial situation in its history.
“Like many councils across the country, we’re experiencing increasing demand for our services along with increasing costs.
“The cost of delivering children’s and adult social care now makes up 62 per cent of our total revenue budget, and only last week we heard our funding is expected to be cut by a further £17m after the outcome of the government’s funding review was announced.
“Every council service is being reviewed, and really tough decisions are having to be made.
“We must strike a balance between a council tax reduction scheme that is affordable and fair, both for those who receive council tax reduction and for all residents who rely on our wider council services.
“Please complete the consultation before the deadline, as your feedback will help councillors decide how the scheme should operate from April 2026 when the next tax year begins.”
The consultation can be completed at n-somerset.inconsult.uk/CTS/consultationHome and is open until 5pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2025.
The CTR scheme currently supports around 6,400 working-age residents in North Somerset.
Those not receiving the maximum reduction would also see their support decrease if the proposals are approved.
Pension-age claimants, typically those over 66, would not be affected as their support is set nationally by central government.