Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED: 1)  That  the results of the consultation exercise  be noted, and

2)         That the  draft Council Tax Support scheme as approved on  9 September 2015 be adopted as the full Council Tax Support scheme for 2016/2017

Reason for Decision

To ensure a Council Tax Support scheme for 2016/2017 is agreed by full Council by 31 January 2016

The Leader presented a report which was linked to the Cabinet Report ‘2016/2017 Draft Council Tax Support Scheme for Consultation’ of 9 September 2015.

The report which summarised the results of the Council Tax Support consultation exercise, noted the responses to the consultation and proposed that the Council adopted the draft Council Tax Support scheme, approved on 9 September 2015, as the Council Tax Support scheme for 2016/2017.

The report reminded Members that the Council must review and agree its Council Tax Support scheme each financial year, must consult with its major preceptors (the County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner), publish its draft Council Tax Support scheme, consult with interested parties then publish its final Council Tax Support scheme.

The draft Council Tax Support scheme was agreed by Members on 9 September 2015 and published on 18 September 2015.  The consultation period concluded on 30 October 2015.  Seven responses to the consultation had been received, of which, only 1 was from someone in receipt of the benefit, but they fell within the protected group, three were in favour of the scheme, two were against and one answered don't know.  The Equality Impact assessment was attached with the agenda.

The matter had been discussed at the Resources and Performance Panel and the proposed scheme was supported.

RECOMMENDED: 1)  That  the results of the consultation exercise  be noted, and

2)         That the  draft Council Tax Support scheme as approved on  9 September 2015 be adopted as the full Council Tax Support scheme for 2016/2017