Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Council the report of the Director of Resources seeking Members’ consideration of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) and associated policies for 2022 / 23.

It was noted that the Scheme was significantly unchanged to support the delivery of a largely cost neutral LCTS within the proposed budget for 2022 / 23.  Provision had been made to enable changes during the year and an Equality Impact Assessment had been carried out and was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The report suggested that the Council continued to offer the Exceptional Hardship Fund for 2022 / 23 and an updated framework to reflect universal credit arrangements was attached at Appendix 2.

The Leader of the Council moved the recommendations as set out in the report, these were duly seconded and agreed by assent. 

RESOLVED

(i)               That the following changes to the existing schemes are approved:

a.      a cost of living increase in line with the Department for Work and Pensions schemes be included in the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2022/23 for Pensioners only;

b.       that any legislative changes being introduced to the Housing Benefit Scheme, for 2022 / 23 are mirrored in the Councils LCTS scheme to ensure consistency;

c.       minor technical amendments to ensure that we are able to administer the scheme reflecting current local and national guidance;

(ii)              this decision has been made following Members careful reading of and regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix 1 to the report;

(iii)            That the updated Exceptional Hardship Fund for Council Tax Support Framework (Appendix 2 to the report) be endorsed.

Councillor M F L Durham advised that he was an election agent for the local election taking place today and had to attend the count.  He left the meeting at this point and did not return.

Following their earlier declarations of interest Councillors R P F Dewick, A S Fluker and M W Helm left the meeting at this point and did not return.

Councillor Miss S White revised her earlier declaration of interest, advising that she would be leaving the chamber for the next item of business as her interest was pecuniary.