Decision details

Noted the contents of a report by the Head of Customer Services summarising the Government's proposals to reform Council Tax with effect from 1st April 2013 and the consequential implications to the District Council. Subject to the enactment of the relevant legislation and in order to prepare financial forecasts, agreed in principle

(i)  that unoccupied and unfurnished (Class C) properties be granted a 100% discount for one month and then 0% thereafter;

(ii)  that second home discounts be reduced to 0%;

(iii)  that uninhabitable properties (Class A) be granted 100% discount for a maximum of twelve months;

(iv)  that empty homes premium be levied after two years at 50% in addition to the 100% charge currently made;

(v)  that monthly instalments continue to be due on the 15th day of each month (extended to those who request 12 monthly instalments) but Managers be permitted to include an additional later instalment date purely as an incentive for those opting to pay by direct debit; and

Supported the publication of a Cambridgeshire Council Tax booklet and the Council's continued involvement in this area of joint working approved.

To prepare for the change in policy