Lavery says Northumberland council tax support leaves some facing £100 rises

northumberland residents on council tax support are seeing different bills after Northumberland County Council changed its scheme in January, with Labour MP Ian Lavery telling Parliament that some low-income households now face increases of nearly £100 a month. The council’s overhaul created a banded system for the first time and altered support for 14,006 residents.

Lavery said: "Changes to Northumberland county council’s council tax support scheme have left some low-income residents in my constituency facing unaffordable increases, some of nearly £100 per month. Those impacted are the most vulnerable in our communities". He added: "Imagine what it is like, when they are already struggling to survive through the cost of living crisis, to be lumped with paying an extra £100 per month? That is pressure."

Northumberland County Council vote

Northumberland County Council approved the changes in January, and Northumberland Labour voted to bring them in. The previous scheme was costing the council £28 million a year, while the new banded model now leaves 7,771 residents receiving less support and 6,235 people receiving a higher level of support.

Scott Dickinson said at the time the changes were approved: "Everybody has worked really hard, listened to members’ concerns and came up with a scheme that really supports households and makes sure the most vulnerable are supported in the way we would like to see. We will be supporting it."

Campbell and Oliver responses

Sir Alan Campbell told Parliament: "My honourable friend is right to draw attention to that decision by Northumberland County Council. It cannot be right that less well-off households in his area are being asked to pay more." He also said the Government was acting to keep costs down and support those who need it more.

Coun Nick Oliver said: "Ian’s Labour colleagues at the Council voted to implement the new banded scheme along with all other councillors – bringing us in line with other Labour councils in the region." He added: "The most in need households will now pay no council tax, and some households are being asked to make a greater contribution as benefit payments rise and the two child cap is withdrawn. Some people will qualify for various forms of support we have put in place."

Recovery Grant funding

Oliver also said Northumberland was the only council in the North East not to receive any Recovery Grant funding from the Labour Government this year, and that the council’s settlement did not cover inflationary pressures. He said the council had called on Lavery and other MPs to make the case for residents, adding that there was no response.

For residents receiving council tax support, the immediate change is the size of the bill under the new banded scheme. Lavery’s complaint makes clear that the dispute is now about who carries the higher cost, while the council says the new system gives the most support to the households it sees as most in need.