Council Tax Reduction Scheme looks like it will continue for the next financial year in Eastbourne
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The approval from councillors to extend the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2023/24, subject to full council adoption, is another measure in place to help residents through the cost of living crisis. The CTRS provides financial support to around 4,000 of the most disadvantaged people of working age. Cabinet councillors have also recommended the Exceptional Hardship Scheme, for those receiving CTRS support and experiencing extreme hardship, continues for the next financial year.
Councillor Alan Shuttleworth, cabinet member for direct assistance services, said: “When we became the first town in the country to declare a cost of living emergency back in May, it was clear to us that many residents would be hit by severe hardship this winter and since then we have undertaken a series of initiatives to help as much as we can. I am very pleased at today’s decisions that cement our principle of protecting the most vulnerable in our community.”
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Hide AdTo this news Jess Holliday, campaigns and communications manager at Eastbourne Foodbank, said: “While we welcome the continuation of the Exceptional Hardship Scheme, many foodbank clients do not meet the criteria despite being in dire financial crisis. We would welcome increased access for our most vulnerable clients to the Exceptional Hardship Scheme to support those who are overwhelmed by the increased cost of living.
“Eastbourne Foodbank stands with Eastbourne Borough Council in calling on central government to provide additional funding for the now exhausted Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP). During this year, which has seen an 82 per cent increase on foodbank use since last year, DHP has provided some short-term relief to clients whose housing costs are rocketing. We look forward to working with Eastbourne Borough Council, other charities and agencies to ensure the root causes and symptoms of housing issues are addressed with sustainable measures.”
Councillor David Tutt, council leader, said: “We have made it a priority to support residents in need through this cost of living crisis which is why it is particularly hard to stomach that the government cut the budget for Discretionary Housing Payments by £100,000 this year. This fund is now exhausted at a time when demand is as high as ever, so we have written to the government urgently requesting it provides money for this scheme so we can continue helping local people experiencing tough times and potential eviction.”
MP Caroline Ansell said: “The funding has changed over the period but local authorities can top up the DHP. This council’s fragile finances may mean they can’t support local people in this way. Their debt interest payment for 2022/23 is £2.7 million. In this same period the government awarded the council an initial £676,000 and a £109,000 top up from the Homelessness Prevention Grant. In addition, it has received £1.6 million from the Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme, which match funded the latest local development in Brede Close.
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Hide Ad"There can be no argument this government has invested heavily and continues to invest to support Eastbourne. Bigger picture, the council needs to deliver more social and affordable housing.”