Issue - meetings

The report outlines recent changes introduced in relation to Council Tax liability and support for those in receipt of Council Tax Support (CTS) and in relation to households in need and seeks approval to an amendment to the Council’s existing 13A(1)(c) policy in order to introduce the new discretionary relief policy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2)          To note that the proposed Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 links to council support for vulnerable residents alongside other support mechanisms such as Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Resident Support Fund (Local Welfare Assistance).

3)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Resident Services in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources in respect of decisions on individual applications for reducing Council Tax payable pursuant to the proposed policy under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Councillor Southwood (Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy & Citizens Experience) introduced a report outlining recent changes introduced for 2023/24 and beyond in relation to Council Tax liability and support for those in receipt of Council Tax Support and in relation to households in need and seeking approval to an amendment to the Council’s existing 13A(1)(c) Policy in order to introduce the related new discretionary relief policy.

In considering the report, Cabinet was advised that the updated funding regulations and guidance had been issued by the Government on 23 December 2022.  Members welcomed the additional support provided, which it was noted would enable the Council to further reduce Council Tax bills for those in receipt of Council Tax Support and to use the remaining funding to further support households in need.

In commending the ongoing inclusion of support for care leavers within Brent’s Council Tax Support Scheme and wider relief being made available for vulnerable local residents, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

(2)      To note that the proposed Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 links to council support for vulnerable residents alongside other support mechanisms such as Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Resident Support Fund (Local Welfare Assistance).

(3)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Resident Services in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources in respect of decisions on individual applications for reducing Council Tax payable pursuant to the proposed policy under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.