Agenda item

This report seeks Council approval of the adoption of a revised local Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Discussion:

This report provided details of proposals for the adoption of an amended Council Tax Reduction Scheme, following consultation and consideration by Cabinet on 15 December 2015. The Cabinet had recommended an amended Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) to Council for adoption reducing the maximum discount from 75% to 65% and enhancing the extended payments period from four to eight weeks.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken on the proposed changes, as set out in Appendix 7 to the report with a detailed analysis set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Business Management, Councillor Turpin, supported by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, proposed the revised recommendation as tabled at the meeting.

“The Council is asked to approve a revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme as detailed at Appendix 5 to the report subject to paragraphs 96 (3) (a) (page 189 of the Supplementary Agenda) and 101 (3) (a) (page 192 of the Supplementary Agenda) being amended to reflect the Cabinet’s recommendation on 15 December 2015 to enhance extended payments from four weeks to eight weeks.”

Councillor Maple, supported by Councillor Stamp, proposed the following amendment:

“The Council is asked to approve a revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme as moved by Councillor Turpin and detailed at Appendix 5 to the report subject to the following revisions shown tracked below:

Amend paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Appendix 5 of item 12 of the Council Agenda (Page 51 of supplementary Agenda No.1 refers) so that it now reads:

“2. This Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme is implemented by Medway Council and is intended to assist people in financial need, by the award of a reduction in their council tax liability. The Government has prescribed that the reduction given to pensioners will not be any less than they would have received under the previous Council Tax Benefit provisions.  The Council has decided that this protection will be extended to working age applicants in receipt of a war pension.

       The Council has prescribed that the local reduction scheme will result in all working age claimants being liable to pay a minimum of 35% 20% of their annual council tax liability, alternative maximum council tax benefit (second adult rebate) will be withdrawn, and a deduction in respect of non dependants will be extended to include those on a mean tested benefit.”

And

Amend item 29A of Part 7 of Appendix 5 of item 12 of the Council Agenda (Pages 100-101 of supplementary Agenda No.1 refers) so that it now reads:

“29A  (1) Subjectto paragraphs(2) to(4), theamountof aperson’smaximumcouncil tax reductionin respect ofa day is 20% 80% per cent of the amount A/B where –

(a)     Ais theamountsetby theauthorityas thecounciltaxfor therelevantfinancialyearin respect of the dwelling in which he is a resident and for which he is liable, subject to any discount which may be appropriate to that dwelling under the 1992 Act; and

(b)     B is the number of days in that financial year,

lessanydeductionsin respectof non-dependantswhichfalltobe madeunderparagraph 30A (non- dependantdeductions – persons who are not pensioners).”

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Decision:

The Council approved a revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme as detailed at Appendix 5 to the report subject to paragraphs 96 (3) (a) (page 189 of the Supplementary Agenda) and 101 (3) (a) (page 192 of the Supplementary Agenda) being amended to reflect the Cabinet’s recommendation on 15 December 2015 to enhance extended payments from four weeks to eight weeks.