Two new surveys, asking for people’s views on their experiences when contacting Calderdale Council and proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, are now available on the Council’s new survey platform.
Calderdale Engage is the Council’s new engagement hub site. It hosts current consultation and engagement projects and shares updates and results about them.
One of two new surveys available on the site asks for people’s views on proposed changes to Calderdale’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme, from 2025/26.
The scheme supports people on low incomes to pay their Council Tax by offering a discounted rate. As local government continues to face significant financial challenges, one of the Council’s required budget savings is to reduce spend on the scheme by £1million from 1 April 2025.
People are being asked to share their thoughts on options to reduce the maximum discount provided by the scheme. Other proposals also include increasing the minimum award made and removal of the second adult rebate.
Further options are also being considered to boost support for people struggling to pay their Council Tax, including providing extra help for care leavers.
To find out more and share feedback on proposals, visit Project: Proposed changes to Calderdale’s Council Tax Re… | Calderdale Council Paper copies are also available at Calderdale libraries. The deadline for responses is 30 September 2024
Feedback shared will help inform decisions made by Cabinet in December 2024, when a recommended discount rate will be considered.
An additional survey on Engage asks for people’s views on their experiences when contacting the Council. It asks for feedback on quality of customer service, preferred methods of contact and experiences when using the Council’s website.
The survey is available at Project: Calderdale Council Customer Satisfaction Survey | Calderdale Council and should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The deadline for responses is midnight on 30 September 2024. Paper copies are available at libraries or at Customer First.
The feedback gathered will be used to adapt services to better meet people’s needs.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“Our new survey platform, Engage, will help us work with our communities to shape the future of Calderdale, together.
“We’re currently asking for people’s views on two important topics, with feedback informing how we deliver our customer services and how we can achieve some of our key budget savings in relation to our Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
“Reducing inequalities is a priority for the Council. We want to ensure we can continue to support our communities and provide accessible services, whilst also acknowledging the significant challenges faced by councils to balance the books.
“Hearing from local people is vital as we make important decisions about service delivery. Our Engage platform will allow people to have their say and also receive updates on next steps and decisions.”
Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024. This is the ultimate year for the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. Find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision
As 2024 closes, the transition to the new Vision 2034 for Calderdale will begin, encouraging local communities to be bold and ambitious about what we can do next to make Calderdale a better place for all.
ENDS