Issue - meetings

Report of Councillor Robin Maxted on behalf of the Cabinet held on 7 February 2024.

Councillor Maxted moved and Councillor Diplock seconded the recommendations of the Cabinet held on 7 February 2024 to adopt the 2023/24 Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme as the 2024/25 scheme.

In moving the item, Councillor Maxted advised that the Council currently operates a maximum of 80% council tax reduction scheme, and it was the intention to increase this to 100% scheme, when appropriate consultation had taken place with other preceptors including East Sussex County Council.

The Council debated the matter and it was put to a vote and carried.

RESOLVED (by 17 votes for, 7 abstentions):

(1) That the 2023/24 Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme is adopted as the 2024/25 scheme (as set out in Appendix 1 to the referral report).

(2) To note that subject to Full Council approval, Cabinet grants the Chief Executive delegated authority:

(a) to implement the Scheme, such delegated authority to include any measures necessary for or incidental to its management and administration; and

(b) if necessary, and in accordance with paragraph 2.3, to amend the Scheme in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

(3) That the Exceptional Hardship Scheme continues in 2024/25 subject to funds being available.

(4) That an initial £25,000 be added to the Exceptional Hardship Scheme with this coming from the additional income raised from changes to Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions.