Issue - meetings

To approve the schedule of discounts and exemptions which remains unchanged from 2017-18 and to agree the council tax base for 2018-19.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the schedule of discounts and exemptions in paragraph 13 of the report, which remains unchanged from 2017-18 be approved.

2.  That it be noted that the council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) for both working and pensionable age claimants shall remain unchanged in 2018-19.

3.  That it be agreed that the council tax base for 2018-19 be set at 100,884 (95,941 in 2017-18) band D equivalent dwellings.

4.  That it be agreed that the assumed council tax collection level should remain at 97.20% for 2018-19 (97.20% in 2017-18) noting the risks outlined in paragraphs  25 and 26 of the report.

5.  That it be noted that the council tax base for 2018-19 for St. Mary Newington parish be set at 11,936 (11,602 in 2017-18) band D equivalent dwellings.

6.  That it be noted that the council tax base for 2018-19 for St. Saviour’s parish be set at 1,267 (1,257 in 2017-18) band D equivalent dwellings.

7.  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 2017-18.

8.  That it be noted that, as for 2017-18, 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).

9.  That the proposed extension of the current council tax section 13a policy covering discretionary relief (refer to paragraph 18 of the report) be noted:

·  to introduce council tax discretionary relief (0% to 100%) for young people leaving Southwark council's care aged 18 to 24 years, for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. 

·  to continue foster carers discretionary relief (0% to 100%), for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.