FOI request (FOIR-648308620)

Section 13A discretionary relief policy allowing for Council Tax debt write-off FOI

Requested Thu 19 September 2024
Responded Thu 19 December 2024

1. 1. Do you have an Exceptional Hardship Council Tax Reduction policy, or a similar named discretionary relief policy that provides for persons who may need additional support on top of Council Tax Support? (yes/no)

   2. Does the policy support those who are not supported by the existing council tax reduction scheme? (yes/no)

   3. Please provide a link to the policy.

   4. Does the policy allow for Council Tax to be written off? 

   5. When considering using Section 13A to remit the Council Tax charge, do you also consider alternative write off methods that would allow the Council to share bad debt with the other preceptors. If so, please detail them.

   6. How much council tax has been written off under Section 13A each financial year from 2017-2024

   7. How much council tax has been written off using alternative hardship policies each financial year from 2017-2024

   8. If able, please provide a breakdown overview of the primary reasons where the scheme is used for the years 2017-2024? (examples may include victims of domestic violence, referral from money advice service, referral from Housing Support, and ill health.) If no data, any commentary would be appreciated.

Response

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding. 

1. Do you have an Exceptional Hardship Council Tax Reduction policy, or a similar named discretionary relief policy that provides for persons who may need additional support on top of Council Tax Support?

Answer: Yes 

2. Does the policy support those who are not supported by the existing council tax reduction scheme?

Answer: Yes 

3. Please provide a link to the policy.

Answer: Please see attached document - Appendix 5

4. Does the policy allow for Council Tax to be written off?

Answer: Yes 

5. When considering using Section 13A to remit the Council Tax charge, do you also consider alternative write off methods that would allow the Council to share bad debt with the other preceptors. If so, please detail them.

Answer: No

6. How much council tax has been written off under Section 13A each financial year from 2017-2024

Answer:

2017/18 - £1,052.84

2018/19 - £0.00

2019/20 - £639.61

2020/21 - £2,062.82

2021/22 - £13,551.05

2022/23 - £23,066.03

2023/24 - £54,913.74

7. How much council tax has been written off using alternative hardship policies each financial year from 2017-2024 

Answer: Nil

8. If able, please provide a breakdown overview of the primary reasons where the scheme is used for the years 2017-2024? (examples may include victims of domestic violence, referral from money advice service, referral from Housing Support, and ill health.) If no data, any commentary would be appreciated.

Answer: Information not held 

Attachments

• FOIR-648308620_FOIR-648308620_1-Appendix5.pdf