Decision details

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Finance and ICT on the proposals in the Local Government Finance Bill for the national Council Tax Benefit system to be replaced by a Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme from 2013-14, which would reduce expenditure by 10 per cent as part of a wider policy of decentralisation and welfare reform.

The report also set out the details of ‘Localising Support for Council Statement of Intent’ published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in May 2012 on the specific proposals for local authorities to produce a Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme and hold consultations with interested parties.

This was a Key Decision and was included in the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

RESOLVED: That

(1)      the Head of Corporate Finance and ICT be authorised to publish a draft Council Tax Reduction Scheme with 80% liability (page 26 of the agenda, paragraph b, item b) as the basis for consultation with interested parties in accordance with the approach set out in this report;

(2)      the Head of Corporate Finance and ICT be authorised to undertake consultations on the removal of Council Tax exemptions and discounts;

(3)      the Head of Corporate Finance and ICT submit a report to the Cabinet following the consultation exercise with a recommendation for final agreement by Council; and

(4)      the Council be recommended to give approval to the rescheduling of the Council meeting from 7 February 2013 to 24 January 2013 to enable the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to be approved by the required deadline.