1. Do you have an Exceptional Hardship Council Tax Reduction policy, or a similar named discretionary relief policy that provides for persons who may need additional support on top of Council Tax Support?
Yes

2. Does the policy support those who are not supported by the existing council tax reduction scheme?
Yes

3. Please provide a link to the policy.
Policy and Application for Reductions Under Section 13A of Local Government Act (PDF document)

4. Does the policy allow for Council Tax to be written off?
Technically yes it does but not shown as a bad debt write off. It is a discretionary relief to reduce or pay off the charge.

5. When considering using Section 13A to remit the Council Tax charge, do you also consider alternative write off methods that would allow the Council to share bad debt with the other preceptors. If so, please detail them.
No, we do not share bad debt with preceptors as this is not a write off.

6. How much council tax has been written off under Section 13A each financial year from 2017-2024 (2024/25 to date)
2016/17: £8,978.22
2017/18: £16,227.13
2018/19: £10,682.05
2019/20: £13,544.70
2020/21: £14,286.00
2021/22: £28,574.83
2022/23: £56,048.94
2023/24: £81,754.43
2024/25: £42,455.58

7. How much council tax has been written off using alternative hardship policies each financial year from 2017-2024
Not applicable

8. If able, please provide a breakdown overview of the primary reasons where the scheme is used for the years 2017-2024? (examples may include victims of domestic violence, referral from money advice service, referral from Housing Support, and ill health.) If no data, any commentary would be appreciated.
Section 13A discretionary discount does not have set criteria therefore is not restrictive. It is awarded for exceptional circumstances or risk of losing home.