Resolved
(1) That the option of no change to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017-2018 and the amendment of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations for Pensioners in line with uprating announced by DCLG and to uprate the Working Age Regulations in line with Housing Benefit as confirmed by Department for Work and Pensions be approved.
(2) That Full Council be recommended to agree an unchanged Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017-2018.
(3) That Full Council be recommended to grant delegated authority to the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to make any changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations up to and including 31 January 2017.
(4) That Full Council be recommended to agree the following level of Council Tax discounts for 2017-2018:
· Retain the discount for second homes at zero
· Retain the discount for empty homes (unoccupied and substantially unfurnished) at 25% for 6 months and thereafter at zero.
· Retain the discount for empty homes undergoing major repair at 25% for 12 months and thereafter at zero.
· Retain the empty homes premium of an additional 50% for properties that have remained empty for more than 2 years.