Issue - meetings

To use the Council’s power as a billing authority to reduce to nil the amount of council tax payable by young people leaving care, and to apply a 25% discount to council tax payers acting as foster carers, as permitted by section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 from 1 April 2018.

The details relating to the eligibility and application process are covered in the Schemes as set out in the report.

Councillor Liz Hardman made an ad-hoc statement by welcoming this report which came as a result of Labour Group motion agreed at Full Council in September 2017 and an amendment put by Conservative Group at the same meeting.  Councillor Hardman also said that she was under impression that it would be full Council Tax Discount for this category and asked for a clarification on that matter.

Councillor Alison Millar made an ad-hoc statement by welcoming comments from Councillor Hardman and asked for a cost comparison on what impact 100% discount would have on the Council.  Councillor Millar also said that the Council had constantly advertised for foster carers and this would be a massive incentive for them.  Councillor Millar concluded her statement by endorsing the paper and said that she was proud that BANES Council would join other Councils who had already started similar Council Tax Discount schemes.

Councillor Charles Gerrish introduced the report by saying that at September 2017 Full Council meeting the Cabinet was asked to consider a discount for care leavers and foster carers.  The work on this matter had been completed and the Budget report would give more details on exact figures.  Councillor Gerrish also said that his recollection was that the motion had asked for a discount, and not a full discount, hence why Council Tax discount for care leavers and foster carers is 25%. 

Councillor Charles Gerrish moved the recommendations.

Councillor Paul May seconded the motion by thanking Labour group for putting this motion forward at September 2017 Full Council.  Councillor May also said that this was an important issue which would show that the Council would be supporting those who were most vulnerable.

Councillor Vic Pritchard commented that this was fine example showing that Members of the Council could work together, no matter what political party they were from.  Councillor Pritchard also said that if this was agreed then the Council may be able to raise the level of discount for care leavers and foster carers.

RESOLVED (unanimously) the Cabinet agreed:

2.1  That a class of reduction will be applied in accordance with the Bath & North East Somerset Care Leaver Relief Scheme detailed in the report.

2.2  That a class of reduction will be applied in accordance with the Bath & North East Somerset Foster Carers Relief Scheme detailed in the report.

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