Issue - meetings

Item CB 14/67 referred from Cabinet minutes of 8 October 2014

Item CB 14/67 referred from Cabinet minutes of 8 October 2014

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations at Minute CB 14/67 be adopted.

Item FIP 14/59 referred from Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board of 24 September 2014

Item FP 14/59 referred from Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board minutes of 24 September 2014

The Cabinet received the recommendations of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board at its meeting on 24 September 2014 regarding the outcome of consultation on possible changes to certain council tax discounts from 1 April 2015.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)            the period of 100% discount for vacant and unfurnished properties be reduced from three months to two months with effect from 1 April 2015;

(2)            the current twelve months discount for uninhabitable properties and those undergoing repair be retained at 100% from 1 April 2015;

(3)             a premium of 50% be charged on properties that have been empty for longer than two years with effect from 1 April 2015.
* Referred to Council

Further to Decision No D140088MEM, the report of the Director of Finance and Transformation gave details of the outcome of consultation on possible changes to certain council tax discounts from 1 April 2015.  The report set out the financial implications of amending the level of discounts together with other non-financial considerations.

Considerable discussion ensued regarding the detrimental effect of long term empty properties in the Borough and the most appropriate levels of council tax discount to apply to encourage owners to bring them back into use.  Reference was made to the particular circumstances arising from the widespread flooding earlier in the year in the context of any change to the discount for uninhabitable properties and those undergoing repair.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the period of 100% discount for vacant and unfurnished properties be reduced from three months to two months with effect from 1 April 2015;

(2)             the current twelve months discount for uninhabitable properties and those undergoing repair be retained at 100% from 1 April 2015;

(3)             a premium of 50% be charged on properties that have been empty for longer than two years with effect from 1 April 2015.
* Referred to Cabinet