Agenda item

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive. 

The report sets out an annual review of the local scheme of discounts and exemptions which are available in respect of business rates and Council Tax and outlining any proposed changes.

The Committee is recommended to comment upon and note the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an annual review of the local scheme of discounts and exemptions which were available in respect of business rates and Council Tax and outlining any proposed changes.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members commented favourably on the support offered by the council for residents in relation to council tax payments. The continued mitigation on the impact of council tax upon vulnerable residents was a very important policy.

·         The council tax reduction for care leavers up to the age of 25 was highlighted as a positive move.

·         Members commented that council tax was a regressive form of taxation and expressed the hope that the system would change in the future.

·         Members questioned whether a council tax exemption was in place for empty properties which were up for sale. In response it was stated that those properties which were being actively marketed for sale or to let should be an exception to the council tax premium for up to a maximum of six months.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.