Council asks residents for views on plans to make council tax reduction scheme fairer and simpler

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is inviting residents to have their say on proposed changes to its Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS).

The changes are designed to create a fairer, simpler and more sustainable system of support for working-age households.

CTRS helps people on low incomes with their council tax bill. People are currently able to claim if they receive one of a number of specific benefits, or have a low income.

CTRS only applies to working-age households. The government administers a separate scheme for pensioners.

The key change to CTRS in Stoke-on-Trent would be the introduction of a new banded scheme, where the level of support would depend on total household income. That would allow support to be targeted where it was needed and prevent constant fluctuations in levels of support. It would also end a current issue where CTRS can vary greatly depending on whether someone receives a specific benefit.

The proposed changes are possible now because all residents have been migrated over to the new Universal Credit system. That means CTRS can be linked more directly to income, easier to understand, and better aligned with other neighbouring councils.

Under the new system, there would no longer be any protected groups who automatically receive full support, regardless of income. Instead, income bands would determine the percentage of council tax reduction a household receives.

When calculating income, the council would not include entitlements like Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Child Benefit.

The Housing Costs and Disabled Child elements of Universal Credit would also be excluded, as would War Pension payments. The number of children considered in the assessment of income would be limited to a maximum of two.

And an extra £50 a week income disregard would be applied to households entitled to specific disability premiums.

Subject to meeting the criteria, the council would introduce full council tax reduction for residents diagnosed with a terminal illness, including those of pensionable age.

The changes would help ensure support remains focused on those who need it most, while making the scheme more transparent and financially sustainable for the future. They would also reduce administration costs and allow resources to be focused on supporting residents and delivering essential services.

Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: 

"We want to create a Council Tax Reduction Scheme that is fairer, simpler and easier for residents to understand.

“It is vital that we target what resources we have to provide support on those who need it most. An income-based system – with additional support for groups like the terminally ill, and those eligible for disability benefits – is the fairest way of achieving this.

“No final decisions have been made and we are keen to hear a wide range of views. I would encourage all residents to take part in the consultation and tell us what they think."

Residents can take part in the consultation here: www.stoke.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction . All responses will be reviewed before a final decision is made. The consultation closes on 19 November 2026. If approved, changes would apply from April next year.

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