Agenda item

Click here to view a recording of this item on You Tube

In presenting the report, the Revenues and Benefits Manager explained that the Council must implement a Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme for its working age residents for each financial year.  The Panel was advised that the Council must first decide on a draft CTS scheme which was open for public consultation, and then must agree a final CTS scheme, considering the consultation responses.

The Revenues and Benefits Manager highlighted that the final CTS scheme for 2023/2024 was a continuation of the 2022/2023 CTS scheme, with two minor amendments to reflect welfare reform changes during 2022/2023.

The key issues were outlined as set out in the report.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Jones addressed the Panel and made the following statement:

“To me it appears strange that a delegated decision to consult on the Council Tax Support Scheme was taken in early Autumn, but a Motion to Council should be put on a long back burner.

This Motion to Council was referred to Cabinet on 1 September last year.  What and why has it taken so long to come before this Panel.   Would it be too cynical to suggest a delaying tactic has been deployed with an obvious intent.

It still has to go to Cabinet where the defence to reject it will likely be “other bodies will have set their budgets for the coming financial year”.

Taxpayers in West Norfolk pay more to the county council and police than any other district.  It is most welcome that a new leader and portfolio holder for finance raised the level of Council Tax Support last year to 84% from its previous minimum allowed under the law.  Yet In Norwich the City Council have a 100% Council Tax Support Scheme.

Is there any councillor representing anywhere in West Norfolk who believes Norwich does not receive the lion's share of resources from the county council and police?  There is a widespread opinion that West Norfolk always seems to be left out when it comes to county council and police services.  Yet local West Norfolk taxpayers contribute the most.

The report for some reason separates families from lone parents.  This seems in today's modern age an antiquated view.  But what the report does show is that around 45% of non-protected lone parents in receipt of Council Tax Support are employed.  Still they are expected to pay.  Most lone parents are women.  Is this why they must pay?

Everyone is struggling this year with the cost of living spiralling out of control.  Only this month energy bills have been increased even though the price of natural gas has fallen below the pre Russian invasion of Ukraine level.  Oil prices have also fallen substantially, but only moderately has petrol and diesel fallen at the pumps.  Increases in food prices are both eye watering and frightening as many people miss meals.

Everyone can be assured that a Labour council would have a 100% Council Tax Support Scheme.  But this is not about Labour versus Conservative.  The cost of living crisis is a common foe.  We should all stand together united.  Because this is about doing right by the people we all claim to represent.

We should not be looking to add to problems local taxpayers face.  The projected cost to this Council is £17,000.  A not insignificant sum, but one I am confident can be found.  This Council should be encouraged by this Panel voting to help local people by having a 100% Council Tax Support Scheme.”

The Chair invited the Revenues and Benefits Manager to answer the questions raised by Councillor Jones in relation to families and lone parents.

The Revenues and Benefits Manager explained that there was no intention to separate the categories of families and lone parents and added that she was happy to merge the two categories into one.  The Panel was informed that both families and lone parents with a child under 5 were within the protected group and could receive up to 100% support.

Councillor Morley outlined the problems with the current process and commented that it would be beneficial to consult with the preceptors first before going out to consultation.

The Leader responded to the key points raised by Councillor Jones and reminded the Panel that in the previous year the Administration had raised the level of Council tax relief which was not because of a notice of motion.  The Leader outlined the reasons why 100% council tax support had been applied.

The Chair commented the increase in the response rate to the consultation was 250%.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Joyce addressed the Panel and commented that the Labour Administration would apply 100% relief and made reference to the comments made by Councillor Jones.  Councillor Joyce stated that the cost to the council of 100% relief would be £17,000 which was a small amount of its budget. 

In response to comments made by Councillor Nockolds on potential difficulties in understanding the scheme in order to respond to the consultation exercise, the Revenues and Benefits Manager agreed that this was a fair point and undertook to  review the consultation questions for 2024.

Councillor Morley made the following comment – a protocol be included within the process to consult within the Borough before going out to preceptors.  Councillor Morley wished it to be recorded that he did not support the recommendation set out below.

RESOLVED:  The Panel noted the consultation responses as detailed in Appendix C and agreed the draft CTS scheme for 2023/2024 which went to public consultation was recommended to Cabinet and Council as the final CTS scheme for 2023/2024.