Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

Each Local Authority is permitted to set local discounts for Council Tax liability on unoccupied property. The level of discounts offered by different Authorities has reduced over the years as budgets have been squeezed.

This report proposes a review of the discounts currently offered in Stockport to bring the borough in line with neighbouring boroughs. Proposals agreed by members would then be the subject of consultation prior to agreements in line with annual budget setting.  

The Cabinet is recommended to agree that Options 1 to 3 be taken forward for consultation with the public.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcome of a review of the Council Tax Discounts Scheme including proposals for amendments to the scheme.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the proposals contained in the report could have a significant positive impact on the Medium Term Financial Plan. The Leader of the Council also emphasised that the Council had consistently sought to minimise the exemptions but ensure that the most vulnerable in the community were protected.

RESOLVED – That the outcome of the Council Tax Discounts Review be noted and the Borough Treasurer be authorised to undertake a public consultation exercise to include Options 1 to 3 as set out in the report.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer

The Council Tax Support Scheme provides support for charges payers on a low income in addition to this there are a range of mandatory discounts which are awarded in line with national agreed criteria.  From April 2013, Councils were given the freedom to set local discounts for empty unoccupied properties, the cost of these empty property discounts sits with the Local Authority. The level of all Council Tax discounts including CTS directly impacts on the Councils finances and is reflected in the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

The scheme of discounts in Stockport is reviewed annually, the currently agreed scheme has been in place since April 2016.

The report sets out options for possible changes to the Discount Scheme.

The Scrutiny Committee’s view is sought on a recommendation to consult on the options available to the Council with option 1 (as set out in the report) being the preferred position which would be to remove all local discounts for empty properties with the exception of categories E and F as defined at 2.1 of this report. This would generate additional income of around £1.2m of which £0.1m could be directed to the Council Tax discretionary fund to specifically help the most vulnerable families with dependent children.     

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider and comment on proposals for changes to the Council Tax discount scheme following the annual review of the existing arrangements.

Councillors welcomed proposals to change the existing scheme.

RESOLVED – (6 in favour) That the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance be recommended to undertake a consultation on the Council Tax Discount Scheme with Option 1 being the Council’s preferred option.