Residents to have their say on Council Tax Support proposals to help families with children

Shropshire residents will be asked for their views on proposals to change the Council Tax Support Scheme so that Child Benefit is no longer counted as household income when support is calculated. 

On Wednesday 9 September, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet agreed that a full public consultation should now take place on the proposal – described as a ‘moral decision’ – which is intended to provide additional support for low-income families with children.  

A full, six-week public consultation will now open. Shropshire Council is urging residents, town and parish councils, major precepting authorities, housing associations, and other stakeholders to make their views heard. Following the consultation, Cabinet will review the findings on 18 November 2026 before any proposed changes are considered by full Council on 10 December 2026. 

The proposed change would mean Child Benefit is disregarded when calculating Council Tax Support. The proposal would help reduce the impact on families who receive Child Benefit, particularly those who have moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit and may receive less Council Tax Support as a result. 

Cabinet’s proposal to disregard Child Benefit in the calculation would help reduce this impact for families who receive it with the intention of giving better support to those most in need in Shropshire. 

Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance, said: 

“By proposing to disregard Child Benefit, we know that we will lose some Council Tax income. However, this is the morally correct decision. It is something that the whole of Cabinet feels very strongly about as we try to support the most vulnerable across the County. 

“We recognise the financial pressures many households continue to face, particularly families with children. These proposals are intended to provide additional support to those who need it most, while maintaining a sustainable Council Tax Support Scheme for the future. 

“By disregarding Child Benefit when calculating Council Tax Support, we can provide additional help to low-income families and ensure the scheme better reflects the challenges they face.  

“I strongly encourage residents and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and share their views so that we can fully consider the impact of any changes before a final decision is made.” 

Anyone who wants to take part in the consultation can do so here: Council Tax Support Scheme – 2027 onwards | Get Involved – Shropshire Council Consultation Portal