Agenda item

This report sets out: 

The findings and outcomes of the consultation arrangements for the proposed local Council Tax Support Scheme carried out over a nine week period between 11 June and 10^th August 2012; a recommended scheme for a new local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme based upon the outcomes from the consultation process and achieving, as far as reasonably practicable, a financially neutral position in 2013/14 (the first year of operation). The decision on making the Council Tax Support scheme will be made by Full Council; the financial and equality impacts of the recommended local Council Tax Support scheme for Brent residents.

(i)         that the likely financial implications arising from the recommended scheme for the Council’s local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme with effect from 1 April 2013 and the risks and assumptions attached to these as set out in section 12 of the report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Services be noted;

(ii)        that the findings and outcomes from the CTS consultation carried out with residents and other stakeholders as set out in sections 6 and 7 of this report and the Consultation Report attached as Appendix A to the report be noted;

(iii)       that the findings on equalities and other impacts arising from the proposed CTS scheme as set out in section 5 of the report be noted;

(iv)       that the intention to submit a report to Full Council in November 2012 or at subsequent ordinary or special Full Council meeting to approve the local Council Tax Support Scheme as proposed within this report subject to the timely passing of relevant statutory provisions be noted.

The report from the Deputy Director of Finance set out the findings and outcomes of the consultation arrangements for the proposed local Council Tax Support Scheme carried out over a nine week period between 11 June and 10 August 2012. It also recommended a scheme for a new local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme based upon the outcomes of the consultation process and achieving, as far as reasonably practicable, a financially neutral position in 2013/14 (the first year of operation).

Councillor R Moher (Lead Member, Finance and Corporate Resources) referred to the anticipated deficit of up to £5.1M in 2013/14 and regretted that the council did not have the resources to retain the existing scheme. In line with the outcome of the consultation, it was proposed to apply the principle of ‘everyone paying something’ which would include young working adults and efforts were being made to minimise the impact and to protect pensioners and other vulnerable members of the community. Councillor Moher drew attention to the consultation set out in the appendices to the report and expressed concern that it appeared as though many people who would be affected by the changes had not engaged in the consultation exercise. The Executive noted that the statutory provisions for the CTS scheme were not anticipated to be passed until at least early November 2012 and a special council meeting would need to be held in December to enable the scheme to be considered. The Deputy Director of Finance advised that minor changes to the proposed scheme may be required prior to submission to the Special Full Council, in the light of the statutory provisions.

Councillor Butt (Chair, Leader of the Council) expressed regret that the council had to implement the new Council Tax Support scheme, which would have implications for many residents, while also being required to make further budget reductions. He urged members to highlight the forthcoming changes to residents.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that the likely financial implications arising from the recommended scheme for the Council’s local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme with effect from 1 April 2013 and the risks and assumptions attached to these as set out in section 12 of the report from the Deputy Director of Finance be noted;

(ii)        that the findings and outcomes from the CTS consultation carried out with residents and other stakeholders as set out in sections 6 and 7 of this report and the Consultation Report attached as Appendix A to the report be noted;

(iii)       that the findings on equalities and other impacts arising from the proposed CTS scheme as set out in section 5 of the report be noted;

(iv)       that the intention to submit a report to Full Council in November 2012 or at subsequent ordinary or special Full Council meeting to approve the local Council Tax Support Scheme as proposed within this report subject to the timely passing of relevant statutory provisions be noted.