Agenda item

Report of Case Manager

HC30           

TheLeaderpresenteda reportthatsoughtagreementto continuewiththe existingCouncil  TaxReduction  scheme  for2016/17  andfordelegated authorityto be givento the FinanceCommunityof PracticeLead,in consultationwith the PortfolioHolder,to makeamendmentsto the policy documentto takeaccountof anyfurtherchangesin law,government guidanceor policythatrequiredurgentamendment.

TheCaseManagerupdatedMemberson theimpactof theHouseof Lords decisionthepreviouseveninginrelationto taxcreditchanges.

ItwasthenRECOMMENDEDthatCouncilbeRECOMMENDED:

1.  toagreeto continuewiththe existingCouncilTaxReductionScheme for2016/17:

-      80% maximumliabilityrestrictionmeaningthatworkingage claimantspay a minimumof 20%towardstheirCouncilTaxbill

-      A propertyvaluationband Drestrictionmeaningthatworking age claimantslivingin largerpropertiesdo notreceivegrater levelsof supportthanthoselivinginsmallproperties

-         An exceptionalhardshipfundto helpthoseclaimants experiencingsevere financialdifficulties;

2.  Thatauthoritybe delegatedto the FinanceCommunityofPractice Lead (s151Officer),in consultationwith thePortfolioHolder,to make amendmentsto thepolicydocumenttotakeaccountofanyfurther changesin law,governmentguidanceor policythatrequireurgent amendment.