Bassetlaw District Council has been setting out how it plans to support those in financial need when it comes to paying their Council Tax.
Cabinet Members met on Thursday 5th February to discuss changes to the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme for 2026/27, which is due to come into force from 1st April 2026.
It aims to make sure working-age people don’t miss out through an increase in their benefits with the CTR scheme income bands rising in line with DWP benefits by 3.8%.
Cllr Alan Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Financial Services at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Our Council Tax Reduction Scheme continues to offer more help than many neighbouring councils. Continuing to match it with DWP benefit increases means people won’t drop into another band and miss out on support.”
The Council can provide an 88% reduction in Council Tax, with individuals and families who are on benefits or incomes of less than £103.79 per week paying the remaining 12%.
For those more vulnerable, the working age scheme is capped at 95%. while the severely disabled would also be protected on the highest maximum rate.
All claimants will continue to have access to a discretionary hardship fund if paying an increase in their Council Tax causes severe hardship or exceptional circumstances. It is also proposed that there is a review of this fund to allow more awards to be made to those most in need.
The planned changes will now go to a Budget meeting on Thursday 26th February for final approval.
The Council already provides a 25% discount to people living alone, and disregards certain groups of people when looking at the number of adults who are resident, including students, and live in carers who provide 35 hours per week free care for someone who isn’t a spouse, partner or child under 18, providing the person being cared for already qualifies for one of several benefits.
To find out more about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and disregarded people visit: Council tax discounts and disabled relief | Bassetlaw District Council
Last Updated on Monday, February 23, 2026