West Norfolk Council votes to continue offering 100% tax support to most financially vulnerable residents

West Norfolk Council will continue offering 100% tax relief to our most financially vulnerable residents.

Following a vote at the authority’s full meeting last Thursday, members agreed to continue a scheme which was introduced earlier this year.

The motion passed with much less debate than it did back in February, when former Conservative group leader Cllr Stuart Dark raised concerns about potentially creating a “cliff edge” for people right on the cusp of receiving support.

It is hoped that the 100% relief will incentivise residents on the Working Age Scheme to keep an additional £10 of their earnings per week.

However, Cllr Brian Long - the current Conservative group leader - admitted he still believes that “those who can afford to pay a little bit should be asked to pay a little bit” of council tax.

“The argument about whether to increase the discount to people has already been argued out in this chamber,” he said.

“It does mean, of course, that other people effectively have to pay more.”

But Cllr Long added: “I would urge my group not to vote against it, however, as we need a scheme in place, and that will determine what number of Band D properties we have.”

Cllr Francis Bone, leader of the Labour group, said that he knows of people in “desperate need” who will benefit from this “little bit of support”.

Council leader Alistair Beales admitted there is “an element of political choice” in the policy, but said it was about finding the “single most effective way” to assist “those in the greatest need”.

He therefore welcomed the “political pragmatism” shown by Cllr Long.

Cllr Charles Joyce said: “This is something that needs to get done. There is a time limit on it, and it needs to get done - so we either do it tonight or we don’t do it at all.

“It is just a case of, if you don’t like it, just suck it and see, and give everyone a chance.”