Issue - meetings

(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report gave details of a proposal to change the council tax empty property discount from 1 April 2018.  It was noted that most other authorities in Kent had, or were committed to reducing the discount to one month or less.  It was requested that the implications of offering no discount period be investigated in consultation with other relevant authorities with a view to considering that option in future.

Following consideration by the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property resolved that:

The current period of two months 100% discount for vacant and unfurnished properties be reduced to one month with effect from 1 April 2018 and the experience of other authorities offering no discount period be investigated for report back and consideration of that option in due course.

Decision Notice D170059MEM

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation gave details of a proposal to change the council tax empty property discount from 1 April 2018.  It was noted that most other authorities in Kent had, or were committed to reducing the discount to one month or less.  It was requested that the implications of offering no discount period be investigated in consultation with other relevant authorities with a view to considering that option in future.

RECOMMENDED:  That the current period of two months 100% discount for vacant and unfurnished properties be reduced to one month with effect from 1 April 2018 and the experience of other authorities offering no discount period be investigated for report back and consideration of that option in due course.