Court of Appeal set to hear challenge to council tax reduction scheme

The Court of Appeal will tomorrow (12 February) hear a judicial review challenge against the London Borough of Haringey’s council tax reduction scheme.

Last week Mr Justice Underhill dismissed the claim brought by law firm Irwin Mitchell on behalf of a local resident, but gave permission to appeal.

The High Court judge ruled that the consultation undertaken by the local authority was fair.

The Haringey case is one of a number of challenges being brought by law firm Irwin Mitchell against local authorities as they bring in council tax rebate schemes.

The schemes, which will replace council tax benefit, are due to come into force in April.

Irwin Mitchell has questioned why some councils are not taking up a Government offer of a grant if they limited council tax rebates to 8.5%. It has also suggested that some authorities are in breach of their duties under the Equality Act 2010.