To consider a report on the above and any recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Board on the Localised Council Tax Support Scheme.

Members considered the submitted report on proposed responses to the measures set out in the Local Government Finance Bill.  It was noted that the Bill required all council tax billing authorities to devise a local Council Tax Support Scheme to replace the current national Council Tax Benefit Scheme.  The report also sought appropriate delegations that would allow implementation of the proposals in accordance with the required timescales.

It was proposed by Councillor Tyerman and seconded by Councillor Thomas (D):

(i)         that the proposed local Council Tax Support scheme as set out in Section 2 of the submitted report be approved;

(ii)        that the proposed Vulnerable policy, as set out at Appendix C to the submitted report, be approved;

(iii)       that the proposed Exceptional Hardship Fund policy, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be noted;

(vi)       that delegated authority be granted to the Executive Head of Finance, in consultation with the Executive Lead for Finance and Audit, to make any further adjustments (including those required by any changes to the regulations as approved by Parliament) to implement the proposed Council Tax Support scheme, the proposed Exceptional Hardship Policy and Fund and the proposed Vulnerable policy.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Darling and seconded by Councillor Pentney:

(i)   the proposed local Council Tax Support Scheme as set out in Section 2 of the submitted report be approved, subject to working age households in receipt of Council Tax Benefit having to pay a reduced amount of Council Tax bill of 12.5% instead of the recommended 25% in the submitted report.  The Executive Head of Finance be requested to amend the Council Tax Base Report to reflect the impact of the changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme and the resulting shortfall will be considered as part of the final budget decisions in February 2013.  This report to be presented at an extraordinary Council meeting to be arranged in January 2013.

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4 and at the request of Councillor Darling, a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For: The Chairman, Councillors Baldrey, Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), James, Morey, Parrott, Pentney, Pountney, Stocks and Stockman (16);  Against:  The Mayor, Councillors Addis, Amil, Barnby, Bent, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, Hytche, Kingscote, Lewis, McPhail, Richards, Thomas (D), Thomas (J) and Tyerman (16);  and Absent:  Councillors Brooksbank, Butt, Mills, Pritchard and Scouler (5).  Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order A19.2, the Chairman used his casting vote, voted against the amendment and declared the amendment lost.

The original motion was then put to the vote and in accordance with Standing Order A19.4, a recorded vote was taken.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  The Mayor, Councillors Addis, Amil, Barnby, Bent, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, Hytche, Kingscote, Lewis, McPhail, Parrott, Richards, Thomas (D), Thomas (J) and Tyerman (17);  Against:  Councillors Baldrey, Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), James, Morey, Pentney, Pountney, Stocks and Stockman (14);  Abstain:  The Chairman (1) and Absent:  Councillors Brooksbank, Butt, Mills, Pritchard and Scouler (5).  Therefore, the original motion was declared carried.