Council inviting feedback on review of Council Tax Support Scheme
Residents are being encouraged to have their say on Boston Borough Council’s proposed Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme for 2027/28.
Council Tax Support provides vital financial assistance to residents on low incomes by reducing their Council Tax bills.
Each year, the council reviews its scheme for working-age applicants to ensure it remains fair, effective, and responsive to local needs.
Boston’s current scheme is means-tested and includes additional support for vulnerable groups, including families with children, individuals with disabilities, and those with caring responsibilities. The council also provides enhanced assistance to War Disablement Pensioners, War Widows, War Widowers and Care Leavers, with no proposed changes to these arrangements.
Since April 2026, the scheme has provided:
Up to 90% support for working-age lone parents with children
Up to 80% support for couples with children
Up to 75% support for households without children
At present, the scheme supports approximately 2,522 working-age households and 1,923 pensioner households, at a total cost of around £4.7 million per year.
For 2027/28, the council is proposing to maintain the current scheme, with updates in line with annual uprating of premiums and allowances set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). According to the Borough Council, this approach aims to strike a balance between affordability for the council and continuing support for residents facing cost-of-living pressures.
It states pensioners are not affected by any local changes, as support for those of pension age is determined by Central Government
Residents and stakeholders are invited to share their views as part of the consultation process, which will help inform the council’s final decision.
Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “Council Tax Support plays a crucial role in helping some of our most vulnerable residents manage their household finances. By proposing to maintain the current scheme, we are seeking to provide stability and continued support during a time when many are still feeling the impact of the cost of living. I strongly encourage residents to take part in the consultation and share their views so we can make an informed decision that reflects the needs of our community.”
The consultation is now open, and responses must be submitted by September 30, 2026.
Residents are encouraged to complete the consultation online by visiting the Council Tax Support Scheme Consultation 2026/27 webpage: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=-t_UEVM-t0SDtbdDbGwdcp-xaEP8XPFBi8X40s-Q87RUQVNPMUFMUFdURVlJUDcxTFJGSEVNSVJFTS4u&route=shorturl
Paper copies can be requested by calling 01205 314200.