Decision details

Agreement to principles of localised council tax support scheme from April 2013. 

Matter for Decision: Introduction of a City Council tax support system in the form of a council tax reduction scheme.

Decision of the Executive Councillor:

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

        i.            Seek to achieve the 10% reduction in Government grant by reducing discounts allowed for second homes and using new local powers to charge up to 100% on empty homes and up to 150% on long-term empty homes.

      ii.            Agree that officers should develop a draft local council tax reduction scheme for consultation in line with the recommendation set out in Appendix A of the officer’s report.

    iii.            Note the provisional timeline for decisions as set out in section 4 of the officer’s report.

   iv.            Note that there is key information and legislation that will not be available from the Government for many months meaning the timelines and assumptions in the officer’s report are provisional only and will be updated and improved as the year progresses.

     v.            Agree the initial programme of engagement and consultation on the key issues set out in section 6 of the officer’s report.

   vi.            Agree that the initial £84,000 (and any subsequent payments) new burden Government funding towards implementation costs of the local scheme (already received) be fully utilised for that purpose.

Reasons for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report

Scrutiny Considerations

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

In response to member’s questions the Executive Councillor confirmed the following:

        i.            Any additional funding would not be provided at the expense of vulnerable groups.

In response to member’s questions the Head of Revenues and Benefits confirmed the following:

        i.            Consultation would be undertaken throughout the summer with any specific issues being brought back to the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee on 15 October 2012.

The Scrutiny Committee considered and approved the recommendations by 4 votes to 0.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.