Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 5 February 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 February 2024. It was answered by Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Income Tax: Low Incomes

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, following increases to council tax from April this year, what steps they are taking to assess the impact of these increases on households with lower incomes.

Answer: Council tax levels are decided by local authorities, taking account of their local circumstances. The Government maintains a referendum threshold so that voters can have the final say over excessive increases. The threshold strikes a balance between giving local authorities the flexibility to generate income for local services and protecting residents. Councils are also required to put in place council tax reduction schemes to help those in financial hardship.

Secondary information