Issue - meetings

To consider the Local Council Tax Support Scheme and consultation responses for 2019/20.

RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council for approval of the 2019/20

LCTS scheme and empty homes premium as set out below:

i.              The 2019/20 LCTS scheme is set on the same basis as the 2018/19

scheme and therefore the contribution rate is frozen for the fifth consecutive year.

ii.             The Council continues to protect Vulnerable and Disabled Residents

and Carer’s on a low income.

iii.            The premium applied to properties empty for a period of more than 2

years is increased from 50% to 100%.

The report sought Cabinet’s recommendation to Full Council of the 2019/20 LCTS scheme, which would be set on the same basis as the previous year, and to increase the empty homes premium from 50% to 100% on properties that had been empty for a period of more than two years.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Administration said the scheme had a considerable impact on the most vulnerable residents in the District and that the 12.5% contribution cap was the lowest in Essex. He added that the response rate to the consultation was commendable and the majority of those who took part in the survey were supportive of the proposed schemes. 

RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council for approval of the 2019/20 LCTS scheme and empty homes premium as set out below:

i.              The 2019/20 LCTS scheme is set on the same basis as the 2018/19 scheme and therefore the contribution rate is frozen for the fifth consecutive year.

ii.             The Council continues to protect Vulnerable and Disabled Residents and Carers on a low income.

iii.            The premium applied to properties empty for a period of more than 2 years is increased from 50% to 100%.