Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Financial Sustainability presented the recommendations in the Executive report of 14 February 2023, regarding the Discretionary Council Tax Support Top Up. He said that the mandatory scheme would give all households on Council Tax Support a £25 reduction on their Council Tax.

Councillor Williamson proposed that the recommendation in the report be supported. Councillor Symonds seconded the proposal.

Councillor Goldspink said that the Liberal Democrat group were happy to support the recommendations.

The motion to support the recommendations having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - That (A) the discretionary ‘Council Tax Support Top Up 2023’ Scheme be approved; and

(B)       the Head of Revenues and Benefits Share Service, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Financial Sustainability, amend the scheme criteria if funds would otherwise not be allocated in full.

The Executive Member for Financial Sustainability presented the Discretionary Council Tax Support Top Up 2023 report. The government announced in December that they would be providing further funding to local authorities to provide further support to households in receipt of Council Tax support. He said that the scheme was in two parts, the mandatory scheme was that all households on local Council Tax support would receive a £25 reduction on bills. If there was any funding left over once the £25 had been distributed, then the council could provide the same level of support to additional households until the funding was exhausted. Councillor Williamson said that the report was proposing that this funding be used for those under the Council Tax Hardship Scheme.

Councillor Haysey thanked the Revenues and Benefits Shared Service for their hard work.

Councillor Williamson proposed, and Councillor Goodeve seconded a motion supporting the recommendations in the report. On being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – To recommend to Council that (A) the discretionary ‘Council Tax Support Top Up 2023’ Scheme as detailed at paragraph 2.7 or the report be approved; and

(B) the Head of Revenues and Benefits Share Service, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Financial Sustainability, amend the scheme criteria if funds would otherwise not be allocated in full.