Issue - items at meetings - Consultation on Referenda for Council Tax Increases

Report of the Acting Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

RESOLVED –

(1)         That Members note the report and the council’s response to the DCLG consultation.

29.1    The Committee considered a report from the Acting Director of Strategy & Governance regarding Government Consultation on Local Referendums to Veto Excessive Council Tax Increases.

29.2    Mr Dixon addressed the Committee and stated that the report was for noting. The Government had consulted local authorities before the Localism Bill and he expected that legislation would be created for referendums before excessive rises in council tax is asked for.

29.3    Councillor West asked who had decided the Council’s response to the consultation and noted that the consultation paper was merely about the technicalities behind running referendums, and not whether Council’s supported the idea of referendums themselves.

29.4    Councillor Elgood felt that these proposals were just instead of capping council tax, but seemed a better idea as it gave residents the option to express their views.

29.5    Councillor Mears agreed and felt that if there was a Council who felt that excessive tax rises were necessary they could present the argument to the electorate and people could judge for themselves whether it was a good idea.

29.6    RESOLVED -

1.         That Members note the report and the council’s response to the DCLG consultation.