Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer that included the most recent report from the Cabinet Member – Corporate Services.

Councillor Howard, Cabinet Member – Corporate Services presented her report and referred to the success of the council tax sole occupier discount review which would result in £635,000 additional Council Tax income in a full year; and indicated that 87% of contacts in respect of the scheme were made online but stressed that  other channels were still available for those customers who preferred to not use digital services.  

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       a Member commented that he had received lots of representations from constituents who did not use online services; and a suggestion was made that the salutation message relayed at the start of each incoming call to the Council’s call-centre, encouraging customers to use online Council services should instead be made at the end of the message

·       In respect of the council tax sole occupier discount review, 1,299 households had cancelled their discount, and information was sought on the anticipated increase in Council Tax income arising from this

·       In respect of taxi licensing when and by whom was the £50.00 non-refundable application fee agreed; the anticipated income from the introduction of the £50.00 non-refundable application fee; and had the trade given any indication that they would wish to increase fare tariffs to recoup this fee; and if so, by how much

·       a comment was made that Sefton had an excellent working relationship with the licensed taxi trade  

·       As part of the delivery of the 2024/25 internal audit plan had the reviews highlighted to be undertaken been prioritised

·       reference was made to staff undertaking the Public Management and Leadership Level 7 Apprenticeship at the University of Birmingham; and information was sought on whether there were other education establishments situated nearer to Sefton that staff could attend

·       the insurance renewal for September 2024 

Motion by Councillor Sir Ron Watson, seconded by Councillor Brodie-Browne:

That Cabinet be recommended to oppose any proposals to remove the council tax sole occupier discount. 

Following a show of hands the Chair declared that the Motion was lost 2 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions.

RESOLVED: That