Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report presented by Andrew Bedford, Strategic Director of Resources, detailing how from April, 2013, the Government was abolishing the current national Council Tax Benefit (CTB) scheme and asking local authorities to set up their own local schemes to meet the needs of their local area. In making these changes the Coalition Government was cutting the amount that Rotherham had to provide Council Tax Support by £4.1million.

The Government was also allowing Councils more discretion with regards to certain Council Tax discounts and exemptions which could be amended in order to raise additional Council Tax income which could be used to partially meet the funding cut.

Proposals for Rotherham’s local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme and changes to Council Tax discounts and exemptions have been developed in the form of a consultation leaflet. In order to meet legislative requirements these proposals must be put out to public consultation. 

Following an eight week consultation period, which commenced on 24th September 2012, the responses would be considered before the final scheme was agreed and finally adopted by Council. The adoption of the scheme must happen by 31st January, 2013 in order to avoid the imposition of a Government default scheme which would have severe financial implications for the Council.

Clarification was sought on the mitigation measures being considered and the options to change Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions and assurances given that all permutations would be considered before any proposals were put forward for approval.  Changes to the wider welfare reform would also have an adverse effect on the levels of Council Tax collection in the borough.  Details as to the effect of any changes would need to be clear before any decision was taken and in conjunction with the budget setting process.  The Council had not yet been provided with a final funding figure so this would need to be known before any final scheme was put forward for adoption.

Further information was also provided on the review of the Single Person’s Discount and the need to tighten up on fraudulent claimants and the Second Adult Discount within the current scheme.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and the contents noted.

(2)  That the proposed Local Council Tax Support Scheme and Council Tax changes for public consultation which commenced on 24th September 2012 for an 8 week period be noted.

(3)  That a further update report be submitted to the Select Commission during December, 2012/January, 2013.

-        Strategic Director of Resources to report.

Councillor Akhtar, Deputy Leader, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Resources, which detailed how from April 2013, the Government would be abolishing the current national Council Tax Benefit (CTB) scheme and asking Local Authorities to set up their own local schemes to meet the needs of their local area. In making these changes the Coalition Government was cutting the amount that Rotherham Council had to provide Council Tax Support by £4.1million.

The Government was also allowing Councils more discretion with regards to certain Council Tax discounts and exemptions which could be amended in order to raise additional Council Tax income which could be used to partially meet the funding cut.

Proposals for Rotherham’s local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme and changes to Council Tax discounts and exemptions have been developed and were attached as part of the report in the form of a consultation leaflet. In order to meet legislative requirements these proposals must be put out for public consultation. 

Following an eight week consultation period, commencing on 24th September, 2012, the responses would be considered before the final scheme agreed and finally adopted by Council. The adoption of the scheme must happen by 31st January, 2013 in order to avoid the imposition of a Government default scheme which would have severe financial implications for the Council.

In noting the report Cabinet Members asked if consideration could be given to running balances for people paying their Council Tax and were assured that a number of improvements were being investigated.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and the contents noted.

(2)  That the proposed Local Council Tax Support scheme and Council Tax changes for public consultation to commence 24th September, 2012 for an eight week period be approved.