Agenda item - Council Tax Empty Property Discounts 2015/16

Extract from the proceedings of the Policy & Resources Committee meeting held on the 4^th December 2014 (to be circulated), together with a report of the Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached).

53.1      Councillor Sykes introduced the report and moved the recommendations of the Policy & Resources Committee as detailed in the extract from the meeting held on the 4^th December.

53.2      Councillor Duncan welcomed the increased revenue that would be achieved but having consulted with tenants, expressed concern over the proposal as it was likely to result in landlords passing on increases to tenants.

53.3      Councillor Sykes stated that he believed the impact to landlords over the year was not insurmountable and given the significant level of income that would be generated from the changes, the recommendations should be adopted.

53.4      The Mayor noted that the recommendations of the Policy & Resources Committee had been moved and put them to the vote.

53.5      RESOLVED:

(1)          That the reduction of the Class C (empty and unfurnished) Council Tax discount to zero (i.e. full withdrawal) with effect from 1 April 2015 be approved;

(2)          That the reduction of the Class D (uninhabitable) Council Tax discount to zero (i.e. full withdrawal) with effect 1 from April 2015 be approved;

(3)          That a discretionary Council Tax 4-week discount to cover exceptional circumstances be approved;

(4)          That appendix 1, which sets out the formal determinations and decisions for the financial year commencing 1 April 2015 and in subsequent financial years be agreed; and

(5)          That delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director of Finance & Resources to take all appropriate steps to implement and administer the  recommendations in (1) – (3) above, including the publishing of any related data or information in accordance with statutory requirements.