Decision details

To set the council tax base and note that the NNDR base will be signed off by the s.151 officer.

(See pages 8 - 23 of the main agenda)

This report was considered after the guillotine had fallen, therefore in accordance with council assembly procedure rule 1.12 (3) and (4), the report was afforded up to a maximum of 15 minutes.

In accordance with council assembly procedure rule 2.11 (2), the report was formally moved by the Mayor.

Following debate (Councillors Fiona Colley and Hamish McCallum), the recommendations contained within the report were put to the vote and declared to be carried.

RESOLVED:

1.  That council assembly note that in accordance with the decisions of council assembly about council tax on 28 November 2012:

1)  That the local discretionary premium for homes counted as long-term empty (over 2 years) shall remain unchanged and be set at 150%, this premium is statutory and is the maximum that can be charged.

2)  That the discount for second homes shall remain unchanged and be set at 0%.

3)  That the discount to replace class A exemptions shall remain unchanged and be set at 0%.

2.  That the local discount for empty and unfurnished properties be set to zero with effect from 1 April 2016, as discussed in paragraphs 16 to 17 of the report.

3.  That the council tax base for 2016/17 be set at 91,231.00 band D equivalent dwellings, as shown in paragraph 41 of the report.

4.  That the assumed council tax collection level should be increased to 97.00% noting the risks outlined in paragraph 31 of the report.

5.  That the council tax base for 2016/17 for St. Mary Newington be set at 10,978.81 band D equivalent dwellings.

6.  That the council tax base for 2016/17 for St. Saviour’s be set at 1,174.07 band D equivalent dwellings.

7.  That the council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) for both working and pensionable age claimants shall remain unchanged in 2016/17, and note the consequential reduction in tax base of 17,997 band D equivalent dwellings as shown in paragraph 50 of the report.

8.  That it be noted that:

·  Any minor and consequential amendments to the CTRS written policy are to remain delegated to the strategic director of finance and governance, in consultation with the monitoring officer.

·  No changes were made under the strategic director of finance and Governance’s authority during 2015/16.

9.  That it be noted that, as for 2015/16, the NNDR1 return showing the national non-domestic rates base will be signed off by the council’s section.151 officer (strategic director of finance and governance).