Issue - meetings
Council Tax - Review of Discounts***
Meeting: 14/02/2019 - Cabinet (Item 60)
60 COUNCIL TAX - REVIEW OF DISCOUNTS 
PDF 142 KB
To consider a report by the Revenue and Benefits Manager seeking approval of amendments to Council Tax discounts.
Executive Councillor: J A Gray.
Contact: A Burns 388122
Additional documents:
Decision:
Cabinet approved the following amendments to Council Tax discounts to take effect from 1 April 2019:
§ Unoccupied and substantially unfurnished properties to receive 0% discount; and
§ Premiums to be applied to long term empty properties in line with the amended legislation.
Minutes:
Consideration was given to a report by the Revenues and Benefits Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking approval of amendments to Council Tax discounts. In welcoming the report, it was
RESOLVED
that Cabinet approve the following amendments to Council Tax discounts to take effect from 1 April 2019:
§ Unoccupied and substantially unfurnished properties to receive 0% discount; and
§ Premiums to be applied to long term empty properties in line with the amended legislation.
Meeting: 05/02/2019 - Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) (Item 55)
55 COUNCIL TAX - REVIEW OF DISCOUNTS PDF 114 KB
Council Tax – Review of Discounts is to be presented to the Panel.
Contact: A Burns 388122
Additional documents:
Minutes:
With the aid of a report by the Revenues and Benefits Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council Tax – Review of Discounts was presented to the Panel. It was explained that it is proposed discounts are removed for unoccupied and substantially unfurnished properties and that the premium levied on long term empty properties is increased.
A Member commented that they would like a speedier increase in applying the increased premiums to long-term empty properties; however they were informed that the speed of the increase is governed by legislation.
The suggestion was made that the Council could write to the owners of long-term empty properties regarding the changes.
The Panel was reassured that the properties of the deceased would be classified under a different category and treated differently to long-term empty properties. For all other long-term empty properties it was confirmed that the owner is responsible for the charge and that premiums will be applied from when they become empty.
Members welcomed the report and were supportive of the proposed changes.