How people on low incomes in Milton Keynes will get their council tax reduced

Milton Keynes Council is set to receive more than £2.3 million from the Government to help working age claimants who are struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic.

Council leader Pete Marland signed off the council’s strategy for using the money yesterday (Tuesday).

The decision will be rushed into action after the normal rules of having a cooling off period on decisions were suspended. The full council is set to receive a report into the decision in due course.

Council coffers will be used to hold on to £735,357 for the council to help more people in the future, as the economic impact of the lockdown response to covid-19 emerges.

“Claimants should not need to apply as it will be given automatically if they are in receipt of council tax reduction,” said a council officer’s report presented to Cllr Marland (Lab, Wolverton).

The council says it will be using “light touch” processes to clear the reductions, and new bills will be sent out.

Council director of finance and resources, Steve Richardson, has been given delegated authority, in consultation with a cabinet member to ensure that it can be done as quickly as possible.

But they will still have to ensure there are safeguards to make sure it is not open to fraud or abuse.

One of the risks that the council is preparing for is that it will bust the council’s budget for giving help.

“Government guidance is unclear and a further review of the consequences of the proposed scheme is required to avoid unintended consequences and to ensure support is available to those most in need,” says the council’s report to Cllr Marland.

For more information on the council’s reduction scheme and how to apply, visit https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/benefits-council-tax/council-tax-discounts-and-reductions/council-tax-reduction-scheme