Issue - meetings

Council is required to agree the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme in accordance with S13 A (1a) (2a) and Schedule 1a of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.  The report sets out the preferred scheme that has been through a public consultation exercise and view seeking exercise with key stakeholders and it highlights areas where changes are suggested. The Council is now required to formally adopt the scheme in order that it can be taken into account as part of the annual Tax Setting process.

The Council considered a report setting out the preferred Local Council Tax Reduction scheme and seeking formal adoption, so that it can be taken into account as part of the annual Tax Setting process.

On a motion from Councillor Charles Gerrish, seconded by Councillor Paul May, it was

RESOLVED to approve the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report [subject to an insertion to Schedule 6, Part 4 Sub-section D to insert paragraph 26 of Schedule 5], for application to Council Tax accounts with effect from 1^st April 2017.

[Notes;

1.  During debate, an unsuccessful amendment was moved by Councillor Joe Rayment and seconded by Councillor Robin Moss to delay a decision on this policy until certain concerns had been addressed in policy terms rather than by increasing discretionary funds.  This amendment was lost, with 19 Councillors voting in favour, 35 Councillors voting against and 2 abstentions.

2.  The substantive motion was carried with 47 Councillors voting in favour, 8 Councillors voting against and 1 abstention.]