Council tax
Cabinet approves consultation on proposed changes to Council Tax Reduction Scheme
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Walsall Council’s Cabinet has approved plans to consult residents on proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme.
The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 16 September 2026, enabling the council to launch a public consultation on proposed changes to the scheme, which helps people on low incomes pay their council tax.
“ The Council Tax Reduction Scheme provides vital support for residents on low incomes. As we review the scheme, it is important that we hear from those who may be affected by these proposals.
“I would encourage residents to take part in the consultation and share their views before any final decision is made. “
The consultation will open on Thursday 24 September 2026 and run until Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Cabinet approved proposals that would continue to provide up to 75 per cent Council Tax Reduction for eligible working-age residents while changing how entitlement is assessed. Under the proposal, only earned income would be used when calculating support, and a flat-rate £10 weekly non-dependant deduction would be introduced where applicable.
This differs from the current scheme, which uses income bands to calculate entitlement and does not apply a flat-rate non-dependant deduction in the same way.
Introduced in 2022, The current scheme is being reviewed to ensure it remains fair, simple and financially sustainable. Since then, there have been changes to benefits, household incomes, the cost of living and the way some Universal Credit payments must be treated.
The Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 16 September 2026 can be viewed on the Walsall Council Webcasts website. Cabinet reports and supporting documents are available on the council’s website.
