Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report on the proposals for Localisation of Council Tax Support and the need to undertake consultation with key stakeholders prior to implementation of the new scheme on 1st April 2013.

It was reported that from 2013/14 the Council would only be reimbursed 90% of the cost of granting Council Tax Benefit. If no action was taken, a shortfall of £61,000 would fall on the Council which would need to be met through other savings. The Council is required to adopt a new scheme for Council Tax Support by 31st January 2013.

It was noted that the Government had made some changes to the Council Tax Regulations and it was proposed that any savings made through these changes be utilised to offset the reduction in grant. The report outlined that the general approach which had been taken by the District Councils in Worcestershire was to attempt to meet half of the financial gap by way of the use of revisions to the Council Tax Exemptions currently available in order mitigate the impact of changes on residents.

It was noted that section 3.8 of the report set out the proposed changes which would form the basis of the necessary consultation with key stakeholders and partners such as Parish Councils, Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Registered Social Landlords. Taxpayers would also be invited to comment and press releases would publicise the draft scheme. It was noted that following the consultation period the scheme would need to be approved by Cabinet and Council.

RESOLVED:

 (a)      that consultation on a Local Council Tax Support Scheme and technical reforms to Council Tax be undertaken with the public and key stakeholders for a minimum period of 8 weeks on the basis set out in the report; and

(b)       that it be noted that following the consultation period a further report on the Scheme and technical reforms will be submitted to Cabinet for recommendations to the Council .