Issue - meetings

It was moved by Councillor Hotson, seconded by Councillor Paine, that the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to the new Local Council Tax Discount Scheme be approved.

RESOLVED:

1.  That a Local Council Tax Discount Scheme be adopted which introduces the following changes:-

·  An 8.5% reduction in the rate of Council Tax Benefit applicable to all working age households during 2013/14, whilst otherwise maintaining the structure of the current national Scheme.

·  A 13% reduction in the rate of Council Tax Benefit applicable to all working age households during 2014/15 and 2015/16, subject to the future demand and grant received for the Scheme.

·  Removal of the 10% Council Tax discount awarded to owners of second homes from 1April 2013.

·  A reduction in the period of exemption for vacant properties (Class C) from 6 months to 1 month from 1April 2013.

2.  That the Director of Regeneration and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, be given delegated authority to make such changes as are necessary to maintain the operational effectiveness and viability of the Scheme between 2013/14 and 2015/16.

3.  That a substantive review of the Scheme be undertaken in 2015/16, with any recommended changes to the Scheme being presented to Cabinet for implementation from 2016/17.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Communities regarding the approval of a local council tax discount scheme following the withdrawal of the current national council tax benefit scheme from April 2013.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:

1.  That a local council tax discount scheme be adopted which introduces the following changes:-

·  An 8.5% reduction in the rate of council tax benefit applicable to all working age households during 2013-14, whilst otherwise maintaining the structure of the current national scheme.

·  A 13% reduction in the rate of council tax benefit applicable to all working age households during 2014-15 & 2015-16, subject to the future demand and grant received for the scheme.

·  Removal of the 10% council tax discount awarded to owners of second homes from 1^st April 2013.

·  A reduction in the period of exemption for vacant properties (class C) from 6 months to 1 month from 1^st April 2013.

2.  That the Director of Regeneration and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, be given delegated authority to make such changes as are necessary to maintain the operational effectiveness and viability of the scheme between 2013/14 and 2015/16.

3.  That a substantive review of the scheme is undertaken in 2015/16, with any recommended changes to the scheme presented to Cabinet for implementation from 2016-17.