Resolved
(1) That the contents of the report and any financial implications for the Council be noted.
(2) That Full Council be recommended to approve the option of a Council Tax Reduction income banded scheme for the financial year 2020-2021 and to amend the Council Tax Regulations for pensioners in line with uprating announced by MHCLG and to amend the Working Age Regulations in line with the new income banded scheme and the uprating announced by MHCLG.
(3) That Full Council be recommended to grant delegated authority to the Executive Director Finance (Interim) to make the required changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations up to and including 31 January 2020 in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management.
(4) That having given due consideration, the following proposed level of Council Tax discounts and premiums for 2020-2021 be recommended to Council :
· 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 100% for properties that have remained empty for more than 2 years.