Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Resident Services and the above Cabinet Member which outlined the measures that the Council could use to tackle those customers who chose not to report a change, that effected their Council Tax account or Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit claim.

The Cabinet Member introduced the report and said that this was a very important initiative, and that there were currently no civil penalties in place in Swale in relation to Council Tax, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.  He considered the proposed measures would send the right message to residents in the Borough.

A Member was pleased that there was a clear appeal process.

In response to a question on resource implications and whether the cost of running the penalty scheme was greater than the income the fines generated, the Revenue and Benefits Manager explained that she had spoken to other Kent Authorities, and the fines had been paid when they had been issued.  She explained that the scheme would be administered by the Council Tax Team, and each case would be overseen by the Council Tax Team Leader or the Revenue and Benefits Manager.

Resolved:

(1)          That civil penalties for Council Tax, Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit be introduced.