Councillor Fleming proposed and Councillor Ramsay seconded that the recommendations outlined on pages 33-34 of the agenda be agreed.

Councillor Fleming reported that the legislation had ensured that all claimants of pensionable age would be protected under the scheme.  In addition to this, in year 1 of the scheme, transitional protection would ensure that all residents of working age received a deduction of 8.5% on the amount of council tax support they were entitled to, as calculated on the basis of the current council tax benefit scheme.

Councillor Fittock, whilst acknowledging that the Council had to adhere to legislation,  highlighted that the new Scheme was effectively taking money from the poorest groups within the District and expressed surprise that the Council’s consultation was focused on all those in receipt of Council Tax Benefit and not simply those affected by the proposals.

Councillor Fleming clarified that the legislation required all those currently in receipt of Council Tax Benefit to be consulted.  The legislation required local authorities to be “mindful of the vulnerable” but the Government had obviously seen a clear need for pensioners to be protected.

Resolved: That, having considered the equality impacts, as set out in the report, it be resolved that:

(a)   The Council introduce a local support for council tax scheme that all residents of working age receive a deduction on the amount of council tax support they are entitled to, calculated on the basis of the current council tax benefit scheme, of 18.5%.

(b)   In year 1 of the scheme, from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 the Council applies transitional protection for all residents of working age eligible to receive council tax support.  This transitional protection ensures that in year 1 only all residents of working age receive a deduction of 8.5% on the amount of council tax support they are entitled to, as calculated on the basis of the current council tax benefit scheme.

(c)   The Council applies to the Government’s grant scheme for a financial contribution towards the transitional protection provided to residents once the grant scheme opens after 31 January 2013.

(d)   The Portfolio Holder for Value for Money is provided delegated authority to implement any consequential amendments to the local scheme as a result of the Government publishing its final regulations.