Issue - meetings

(a)        That the consultation results be noted and used to help formulate the Localised Council Tax Support scheme for the borough area.

(b)        That it be recommended that protection be drawn into the final scheme regarding protection for recipients of War Disablement Pensions, War Widows Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments

A report was submitted to inform Cabinet of the results of the consultation undertaken to consider the draft Localised Council Tax Support scheme approved at the Cabinet meeting on the 19 September 2012.

The Welfare Reform agenda would see the current Council Tax Benefit scheme replaced by Localised Council Tax Support with effect from 1 April 2013. Localised schemes needed to be approved by the 31 January before the start of the new financial year to which the scheme applied, following consultation with interested groups and individuals. Consultation had been undertaken between 21 September and 16 November 2012 and the results would be used in conjunction with the draft scheme to formulate a scheme for the 2013/14 financial year, to be approved by Council at an additional meeting on 23^rd January 2012.

Members drew the Portfolio Holders attention to page 43 of the report which mentioned a response from the Royal British Legion who had identified a need to provide protection for recipients of War Disablement Pensions, War Widows Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments. Members requested that this protection be drawn into the final scheme.

RESOLVED:   (a)        That the consultation results be noted and used to help formulate the Localised Council Tax Support scheme for the borough area.

(b)        That it be recommended that protection be drawn into the final scheme regarding protection for recipients of War Disablement Pensions, War Widows Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments