Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government
Today, I am publishing the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Annual Report for 2022-23.
Since 2013-14, the Welsh Government has protected vulnerable and low‑income households across Wales by maintaining full entitlements to support with their council tax bills under our Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS).
We have continued to support the scheme with the provision of £244m in the annual local government settlement. The tailored nature of our national scheme means that this support is targeted towards those who need it most.
In 2022-23, this meant that more than 261,000 vulnerable and low-income households – around one in five households – benefited from a reduction in their council tax. Of these, almost 211,000 households paid no council tax at all.
As always, and particularly in the current uncertain and challenging circumstances, I would encourage everyone to check our website to see whether they are entitled for help with their council tax bill under our reduction scheme or through one of the range of discounts and exemptions available.
We are reviewing our Council Tax Reduction Scheme as part of our commitment to make council tax fairer. Our aim is to ensure the scheme is more accessible for everyone who needs it, reflects the changes in our economy, targets support effectively, and takes account of the impact of Universal Credit. I am grateful for the continued assistance of local authorities in delivering the CTRS in Wales and in helping to ensure that this important financial support reaches eligible households. I remain committed to ensuring that, where our budgets allow, action is taken to mitigate the effects of the cost-of-living crisis we are living through.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.