To seek agreement for a Council Tax Support Scheme in the light of the requirements set by the Government and the outcome of local consultation and determine the level of Council Tax Discount for vacant properties and second homes.

THAT:

(a)          The Council Tax Transitional Grant be accepted;

(b)          Subject to the above, Council be recommended to adopt a new Council Tax Support Scheme for 2013/14 based on the adoption of two of the principles that were consulted upon as indicated in paragraph 31 of the report, in order to meet the requirements of the grant; and

(c)          The changes to Council Tax discounts outlined in the report be implemented from 1 April 2013.

The Cabinet is required to recommend to Council a new Local Council Tax Support Scheme for implementation on 1 April 2013.  The Government has recently made available transitional funding for new schemes that ensure people currently receiving 100% of council tax support pay no more than 8.5% of their council tax liability from 1 April 2013.

1.            Up to now the design of benefit schemes in terms of rules has been a central government responsibility.  Even so other options could be taken up including making up the shortfall in central government funding from elsewhere in the budget.

2.            The recent announcement of transitional central government support for one year has meant that one off additional transitional financial support is now available to reduce the impact of the changes in 2013/14.

3.            An alternative would be to refuse the grant on offer and see a wider impact on residents.