Issue - meetings

This report describes options for adopting new discretionary powers for setting discounts and exemptions to Council Tax against a range of changes proposed by Government for local decision and which come in to effect from April 2013.  It will enable an in principle decision by Cabinet to enable further detailed research and adoption of the policies as part of setting the Council Tax base by Council in November 2012.

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement acknowledged that there had been some difficult decisions to make because of reduced funding; but he expressed concern that the proposals relating to empty properties might not have the desired effect of persuading owners to bring their properties back into use.

Councillor David Bellotti in proposing the item, said that Cabinet was minded to take up the devolved option to raise funds.  He said that it was perfectly proper that the Council should maximise its income from empty properties such as the two properties in Wellow which had been empty for 20 years.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal and said that he looked forward to receiving further detail from Councillor Gerrish about how the problem could be dealt with.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE in principle the full range of technical changes to Council Tax as set out in Appendix 1;

(2) To AGREE that the Financial Implications be factored into the proposed Budget for 2013/2014 to be considered by the Council in February 2013; and

(3) To AGREE that the Council Tax base setting report to be considered by Council in November will be based on these proposed changes.