Issue - meetings

The Revenues Manager introduced her second report in relation to the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Policy (Section 13A). She explained that the new policy included all elements of the hardship relief and combined all various awards into one policy rather than separate policies.

With regards to the recommendations, a Member proposed an amendment to recommendation two in line with the usual practice of consulting with the Chairman of the Committee with regards to any housekeeping changes. On being seconded and voted upon it was

            RESOLVED that recommendation two be amended to read:

That minor housekeeping amendments to the policy be undertaken by the Section 151 Officer under delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

A Member of the Committee noted that the same amendment would have been suitable for the previous item. The Chief Executive confirmed that even without the specific wording, Officers would be sure to follow the agreed process for such amendments. Members thanked him for this clarification.

Members of the Committee continued to discuss the policy and noted the inclusion of the risk of fire damage to a property as a positive. The Revenues Manager explained that this had been included as there had been a couple of occasions where this had happened but there had been no discount the team could have awarded. She stated that although it was a rare occurrence, it was a positive to be able to assist residents in such situations. It was also clarified that, as with residents affected by flooding, there had to be proof provided that the council tax liability was not covered by their insurance. If the insurance would cover it, they would not be eligible for the discount.

In response to a final question regarding oversight of awards made under the policy, the Revenues Manager explained that applications were considered by two Senior Officers, all awards given were logged on the system and it was also reported through the Section 151 Officer via budget monitoring.

Having been moved and seconded, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that:

a)    the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Policy (Section 13A) be approved; and

b)    minor housekeeping amendments to the policy be undertaken by the Section 151 Officer under delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee; and

c)    individual applications for Section 13A Discretionary Relief be determined by the Section 151 Officer under delegated powers; and

d)    it be RECOMMENDED to the Governance and Audit Committee that the Constitution be amended in order to allow that, in the event of an appeal, they be considered by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council.