Issue - meetings

Item FIP 15/53 referred from Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board minutes of 23 September 2015

(Item FIP 15/53 referred from Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board minutes of 23 September 2015)

Consideration of recommendations to the Cabinet from the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board of 23 September 2015.

The Cabinet  resolved that:

The recommendations of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board be approved as follows:

(1)            the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme be refreshed in readiness for the financial year 2016/17 and published on the Council’s website; and

(2)             the Director of Finance and Transformation be authorised to enter into negotiations with Kent County Council and Kent District Council colleagues regarding a fundamental review of the scheme for 2017/18.

(Item FIP 15/53 referred from Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board minutes of 23 September 2015)

Decision Notice D150083CAB

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation gave details of current issues in the benefits field including performance and workload of the Benefits Service, an update on Universal Credit and welfare reform budget changes.

Members were advised that the current three year Kent-wide agreement period for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme would expire at the end of 2015/16.  In view of the national welfare changes taking place and the significant consultation process and timescale involved in a review of the scheme, it had been agreed with the major Kent precepting authorities that the current scheme should be rolled forward for another year.  Agreement was therefore sought to “refresh” the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme in preparation for the financial year 2016/17.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme be refreshed in readiness for the financial year 2016/17 and published on the Council’s website; and

(2)             the Director of Finance and Transformation be authorised to enter into negotiations with Kent County Council and Kent District Council colleagues regarding a fundamental review of the scheme for 2017/18.

*Referred to Cabinet