December 9th, 2024.



Cabinet councillors at Lewes District Council have recommended that council tax support for the worst-off people in the district continues for the next financial year.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) provides financial support to around 3,250 of the most disadvantaged working-age residents by helping them meet their council tax liabilities and allows about 2,000 of those experiencing the greatest hardship to not pay any council tax at all.

Since it was first introduced in 2022/23, the CTRS has been instrumental in helping residents cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis, alongside a raft of other council initiatives offering support.

Councillor Christine Robinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: "Many households still face significant financial challenges due to the cost of living crisis and we remain committed to helping our most vulnerable residents when their finances are stretched to breaking point.

“The CTRS is a lifeline for many people who are suffering extreme hardship, and I am pleased that Cabinet colleagues agreed today that we should continue with this vital support next year."

Cabinet councillors also recommended continuing with the Exceptional Hardship Payments Scheme in 2025/26. This scheme provides additional support to those who are most in need.

The CTRS and the Exceptional Hardship Payments Scheme are just two of the ways in which Lewes District Council is supporting residents through the cost of living crisis. The council has also allocated £50,000 to help local groups set up and run warm spaces across Lewes district during the winter months.

Councillor Robinson added: "We are doing everything we can to help residents who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising costs and colder weather.”


Full Council will consider adopting Cabinet’s recommendation at its next meeting.