Decision details

To agree a local Council Tax scheme for Stockport to include two elements:

(1) provide help with the cost of Council Tax for people on a low income.  The scheme will define who is eligible to claim for support and the rules which determine how much support will be paid;

(2) establish local Council Tax discounts in relation to second homes and empty and unfurnished properties in the borough, including those undergoing renovation. The decision will determine how much discount is awarded and the length of time the discount is payable for.

The Council Meeting has given approval to:-

(1) The proposed Council Tax Discount Scheme; and

(2) The proposed Council Tax Support Scheme.

None.

Councillors Sue Derbyshire declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in respect of this item as a landlord of a privately rented property that may have the potential to be covered by the provisions of the scheme. 

Councillor Andrew Sorton declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in respect of this item as he had a financial interest in a second property that may have the potential to be covered by the provisions of the scheme. 

Councillors Derbyshire and Sorton left the meeting during the consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or vote.

Councillors Andrew Bispham, Laura Booth, Dean Fitzpatrick, Sue Ingham, Syd Lloyd, David Sedgwick, June Somekh, Andrew Verdeille and William Wragg declared a personal interest in respect of this item as recipients of a Single Person Discount.

Councillor Andrew Bispham declared a personal interest in respect of this item as an employee of the Department for Work and Pensions.

(1)  In relation to the first element, all people currently receiving Council Tax Benefit will be invited to respond to consultation. In addition all organisations representing claimants, Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) and landlord representatives. A statistically valid survey will be carried out across the across the borough of claimants and non-claimants plus focus groups of people claiming benefit.

(2)  In relation to the second element, all people currently receiving discounts on second homes and empty properties will be invited to respond to consultation. In addition all organisations representing RSL’s and private landlords. A statistically valid survey will be carried out across the across the borough.

Information and survey forms will also be available on the Councils web site with access available for all via libraries. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at advice and information offices.

The consultation on both elements will run from 17 September to 4 November and can be accessed via the councils Have your say page on the website at 

http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/councildemocracy/your_council/consultation/haveyoursay?view=Standard