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We want everyone living in North Tyneside to have a fairer and better quality of life. One of the ways we do this is by providing help to thousands of low-income households by reducing their council tax bill.
We are considering moving from our Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) to a new, simpler income banded scheme, like many other councils in the region and country. This change would affect residents of working age (typically between 16 and 66) who claim CTS. It will not affect pensioners as Government makes the rules around the pensionable age scheme. The new scheme will be fairer, with some paying more and some paying less. Around 80% of people will be better off.
Why we want to change the Council Tax Support Scheme
To make it easier for residents to understand what they are entitled to
The introduction of Universal Credit, which is gradually replacing older benefits, has created the need for change. Universal Credit recipients need to provide us with a lot of information to claim Council Tax Support and are subject to frequent changes in their entitlement
To continue supporting those on the lowest incomes
To make sure our funds are going to those who need it most.
A simpler scheme is more efficient to run and saves us money. What is being proposed
We are proposing to move over to a banded scheme which will provide different levels of support depending on what band of income you are in. If your income changes, as long as it stays in the same band of income, you won’t see a change in the support you receive. It will help people most in need, on the lowest income.
Why should you take part in this consultation
No decisions have been made yet and we are consulting on options
Feedback from this consultation will help shape the final recommendations, which will be included in a report published before a Full Council meeting
If elected councillors agree to progress the CTS scheme changes, they would take effect in April 2026.
Useful information
Those on the lowest income will get 100% support (currently only 85%)
There will be no reduction in support if another person/non-dependent is living with you
Receiving income from personal Independence, Disability Living Allowance and Child Benefit.?
The capital allowance will reduce to £6000. If you have savings above this amount you will not be able to claim.
Around 80% of our current claimants will be better off and 75% will pay nothing.
We want everyone living in North Tyneside to have a fairer and better quality of life. One of the ways we do this is by providing help to thousands of low-income households by reducing their council tax bill.
We are considering moving from our Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) to a new, simpler income banded scheme, like many other councils in the region and country. This change would affect residents of working age (typically between 16 and 66) who claim CTS. It will not affect pensioners as Government makes the rules around the pensionable age scheme. The new scheme will be fairer, with some paying more and some paying less. Around 80% of people will be better off.
Why we want to change the Council Tax Support Scheme
To make it easier for residents to understand what they are entitled to
The introduction of Universal Credit, which is gradually replacing older benefits, has created the need for change. Universal Credit recipients need to provide us with a lot of information to claim Council Tax Support and are subject to frequent changes in their entitlement
To continue supporting those on the lowest incomes
To make sure our funds are going to those who need it most.
A simpler scheme is more efficient to run and saves us money. What is being proposed
We are proposing to move over to a banded scheme which will provide different levels of support depending on what band of income you are in. If your income changes, as long as it stays in the same band of income, you won’t see a change in the support you receive. It will help people most in need, on the lowest income.
Why should you take part in this consultation
No decisions have been made yet and we are consulting on options
Feedback from this consultation will help shape the final recommendations, which will be included in a report published before a Full Council meeting
If elected councillors agree to progress the CTS scheme changes, they would take effect in April 2026.
Useful information
Those on the lowest income will get 100% support (currently only 85%)
There will be no reduction in support if another person/non-dependent is living with you
Receiving income from personal Independence, Disability Living Allowance and Child Benefit.?
The capital allowance will reduce to £6000. If you have savings above this amount you will not be able to claim.
Around 80% of our current claimants will be better off and 75% will pay nothing.
Review of the Council Tax Support Scheme is currently at this stage
This consultation is open for contributions.
Under Review
this is an upcoming stage for Review of the Council Tax Support Scheme
Contributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The project team will report back on key outcomes.
Final report
this is an upcoming stage for Review of the Council Tax Support Scheme
The final outcomes of the consultation are documented here. This may include a summary of all contributions collected as well as recommendations for future action.