Stoke-on-Trent residents are being asked for their views on proposed changes to the support available towards council tax bills.
The city council has opened a consultation on its Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working-age households. Responses can be submitted until 19 November 2026.
No final decision has been made. If approved, the changes would apply from 1 April 2027.
What is being proposed?
The council wants to introduce income bands, with a household's income determining the percentage reduction it receives. Its consultation page says some people could receive more support, some less, and others the same.
Other proposals include disregarding certain income, limiting the number of children considered in an assessment to two, and a £50 weekly household income disregard where a person or their partner would qualify for specified disability premiums.
The council also proposes support for residents with a terminal illness. The main changes concern the working-age scheme; the council says pensioners are not affected by changes to that scheme.
The release says benefits including Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Child Benefit would not be counted as income. The consultation sets out the detailed proposals and conditions.
How to have your say
Cabinet member for finance Sarah Hill said residents' views would be considered before a final decision.
Residents can read the proposals and access the response form on the council's Council Tax Reduction consultation page.
The proposals do not change anyone's entitlement now. People seeking advice about their own bill or circumstances should contact the council.