Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance

Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Financial Officer and the above Cabinet Member, which presented  details of new regulations that had been introduced to allow authorities to vary the percentage of Council Tax premium that would be charged over the next 3 financial years, 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 on long-term empty properties.  Members were asked to recommend to Full Council changes for each of those financial years.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance proposed the recommendations.

In response to a question from a Member, the Revenues and Benefits Manager, Technical – Financial, stated that the cost of varying the Council Tax on empty homes was minimal, and that the main purpose of the variation was to offer a greater incentive for the homes to be returned to use.

Members were supportive of the proposal.

Recommendation:

(1)       That a revision to the Council Tax premium for the financial years beginning on 1 April 2019, 1 April 2020 and 1 April 2021 as per paragraph 2.4 of the report be approved.