Decision details

To decide on the Council's local council tax support scheme for the 2016/17 financial year.

Matter for decision

The report provided the Committee with details of the review of the Council’s 2015-16 scheme and proposals for the continuation of the agreed current scheme rules for the financial year 2016-17.

Decision of the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources

i.             Agreed to continue to administer the Cambridge City Council – Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2013 (Persons who are not Pensioners) as approved by Council on 19 January 2015.

ii.            Agreed to invoke the Council’s right under paragraph 42(2) of the scheme to set the applicable amounts in Schedule 1 in line with the annual uprating of applicable amounts, which would shortly be laid by Parliament as an amending statutory instrument to the Regulations;

iii.           Agreed to invoke the Council’s right under paragraph 48(10) of the scheme to prescribe the amounts of non-dependant deductions annually and to increase the amounts set in sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) by 1.5% as shown in Appendix 1.

iv.          Agreed to retain the Family Premium in the schemes Applicable Amount and review for 2017-18;

v.           Agreed to retain the End of Calculation Deduction as set out in paragraph 49A of the scheme as “zero” per cent;

vi.          Agreed to continue with the current position regarding discounts for empty dwellings and second homes.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

Councillor Bick left the Committee meeting before the vote was taken on this item.

The Committee received a report from the Head of Revenues and Benefits.

The Committee welcomed the strategy as it supported those who were disadvantaged and who were more likely to be adversely affected.

The Executive Councillor referred the Committee to paragraph 7.6 of the Officers report which highlighted that whilst the power to set the scheme rested with the City Council, the financial impact was shared with precepting authorities.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources (and any Dispensations Granted):

Not applicable.