Agenda item

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It was moved by Councillor Prendergast, seconded by Councillor Sir Ron Watson:

Council Tax

Since 2012, Council Tax across Sefton has increased by around 43% with those in Band D properties now paying almost £2,000 per year.

It has long been the case that any proposed Council Tax increase of over 5% or more will have to be put to a public vote.

There are concerning reports in national media that in the forthcoming Budget, the Chancellor may grant local authorities powers to increase Council Tax by an unlimited amount without the need for a public vote.

Any such proposals would represent a significant change and lead to a democratic deficit within Sefton, with potentially huge increases being imposed on Sefton residents without a mandate from Sefton residents.

Council resolves to:

·       Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor to ask for urgent clarification on any proposed changes to Council Tax and request that any proposed changes to legislation ensure that Council Tax rises of 5% or more are still subject to a public vote.

·       Agree that any proposed increases in Council Tax of 5% or more are still subject to a public vote regardless of what changes might be brought in by central government.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Pugh, seconded by Councillor Shaw that the Motion be revised as follows:

Since 2012, Council Tax across Sefton has increased by around 43% with those in Band D properties now paying almost £2,000 per year.

It has long been the case that any proposed Council Tax increase of over 5% or more will have to be put to a public vote.

There are concerning reports in national media that in the forthcoming Budget, the Chancellor may grant local authorities powers to increase Council Tax by an unlimited amount without the need for a public vote.

Any such proposals would represent a significant change and lead to a democratic deficit within Sefton, with potentially huge increases being imposed on Sefton residents without a mandate from Sefton residents.

Council resolves to:

·       Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor to ask for urgent clarification on any proposed changes to Council Tax and request that any proposed changes to legislation ensure that Council Tax rises of 5% or more are still subject to a public vote.

·       Agree that any proposed increases in Council Tax of 5% or more are still subject to a public vote regardless of what changes might be brought in by central government.

·       Press the incoming government to proceed with the long-awaited review of local government finance and taxation with a view to replacing council tax by a fair non-regressive revenue collection system tailored to citizen’s means and needs that would not require subsequent adjustment.

Following a debate on the Amendment the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Amendment was lost by 9 votes to 39 with 5 abstentions.

Thereafter, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote on the Original Motion and the Mayor declared that the Original Motion was lost by 12 votes to 39 with 2 abstentions.