Decision details

To present the outcome of the consultation on the proposals for a Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017-2018 and seek a recommendation to Council of the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme

Resolved

(1)          That the option of no change to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2018-2019 be endorsed and the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations for Pensioners be amended 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.

(2)          That Full Council be recommended to approve an unchanged Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2018-2019.

(3)          That Full Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer to make any changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations up to and including 31 January 2018 in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management.

(4)          That, having given due consideration, Full Council be recommended to approve the following level of Council Tax discounts for 2018-2019:

·         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.