Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Customer and Digital attached.

Council considered a report of the Director of Customer and Digital that updated on the outcome of the consultation exercise carried out with preceptors and residents in relation to proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS). The consultation exercise had informed the proposals for introducing an amended scheme for 2020/21.

The new administration is proposing the removal of the minimum £3.50 charge for passported claimants as part of their commitment to protect the most vulnerable applicants.

Councillor Caroline Moon, expressed her disappointment of the amended scheme, believing that the Council could have been more radical by empowering people to help themselves as opposed to taking them back to a state of dependency. This was not a view shared by many Members across the Chamber who wholeheartedly supported the amended scheme and Councillors David Howarth, Paul Foster, Mick Titherington, Matthew Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Will Adams and David Forrest spoke in favour of the proposals.

Councillor Michael Green argued that this decision was a wholly ideological one from the Labour Group and that it could make the current situation more difficult, it could also have a detrimental impact on County budgets, and he warned the Council to be aware of unintentional consequences.  

It was proposed by Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, seconded by Councillor Derek Forrest and subsequently

RESOLVED (Yes 24: No 23):

1.    That the outcome of the report be noted.

2.    That Council approves the amended scheme to reflect the removal of the minimum (£3.50 charge for passported claimants).

3.    That Council notes the further work being undertaken in relation to the second homes and empty homes premium.

4.    That Council notes the budget implications.