RESOLVED that Cabinet agrees that -
(a) the LCTS scheme for 2024/25 remains the same as the current year (2023/24);
(b) the Council Tax Exceptional Hardship Policy be as set out in Appendix B to the joint report; and
(c) the discretionary Council Tax exemptions, discounts and premiums for 2024/25 be as set out in the appendices to the Portfolio Holders’ joint report.
RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that –
(i) the LCTS, as set out as Appendix A to the joint report, be approved with the maximum LCTS award being 80% for working age claimants;
(ii) the Assistant Director (Finance and IT), in consultation with the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder, be authorised to undertake the necessary steps to implement the LCTS scheme from 1 April 2024;
(iii) the locally determined council tax discounts, as set out in Appendix C, be approved;
(iv) the council tax discount policy for young people leaving care, as set out in Appendix D, be approved;
(v) the discretionary council tax premiums, as set out in Appendix E, be approved;
(vi) a discretionary council tax premium of 100% is charged on properties occupied periodically (‘second homes’) from 1 April 2025;
(vii) the Assistant Director (Finance and IT), in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder and subject to (vi) above, be authorised to undertake the necessary steps to implement the council tax exemptions, discounts and premiums from 1 April 2024; and
(i) the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix F, be approved.