Agenda item

Revenues and Benefits Policies for 2023-24

The purpose of this report is to update Members on the policies governing the administration of Revenues and Benefits and seek approval for the updates and amendments highlighted (Appendix E).

The report from the CSEG OSC on all Budget and MTFP matters will be circulated when the Committee has met.

Revenue and Benefits Policies for 2023-24

Members were updated on the policies governing the administration of Revenues and Benefits and approval sought for the updates and amendments highlighted.  (Copy of the report attached to the signed minutes as Appendix E.)

It was reported that should the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill become Law, it would permit the Council to implement a premium of 100% on empty homes after one year and up to an additional 100% charge on second homes.  There was a requirement for this determination to be made at least one year before the beginning of the financial year to which it related; hence it would come into effect in April 2024.  The Leader commented that it was important to find a balance between tourism and having housing available to local people.  Not only was a significant amount of money being made available for affordable house building, it was hoped that this measure may attract further funding to support that housebuilding programme.

RESOLVED to make the following recommendations to the County Council to:

1.     Approve the Revenues and Benefits Policies attached as Appendix 1 to Appendix 9.

2.     Approve (subject to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Assent by 31 March 2023) implementing the 100% Empty Homes premium after one year from 1 April 2024.

3.     Make a determination (subject to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Assent by 31 March 2023) to implement a 100% premium for second homes to increase the council tax charge to 200% from 1 April 2024.