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Council Tax Reduction Schemes

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 1 September 2025UIN 70015

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) Dorset Council and (b) other local authorities on the treatment of legacy benefit claimants in Council Tax support schemes.

Answered by Jim McMahon

Councils are required to provide a Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme to support low-income households. Support for working age households, including the treatment of benefits, is designed by councils in consultation with their residents, taking into account the needs and circumstances of their local communities. Each year, councils must consider whether to revise or replace their scheme. For pension age households, councils administer a centrally prescribed LCTS scheme, which is reviewed annually. The Department for Work and Pensions provides data to councils for use in the administration of LCTS schemes in order to determine eligibility.

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