Purpose

To consider a draft Harmonised Council Tax Support Scheme for consultation.

Decision

RESOLVED

That  (i)          the commencement of a consultation process on the draft Policy for Council Tax Reduction for West Surrey Council, as at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and

          (ii)          the Consultation Plan and Equality Impact Assessment for the Harmonisation of Council Tax Reduction Schemes in West Surrey, appended at Appendix 2,3 & 4 to the report, be noted.

Reasons for decisions

Regulations provide that the shadow authorities should make reasonable efforts to prepare a council tax reduction scheme under section 13A(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 before 1 April 2027.  If this is not possible, then they legally must be harmonised by 31 March 2029.

The recommendations seek authority to begin a statutory consultation on a draft scheme for Council Tax Reduction.