Localisation of Council Tax Support (and more….) Paul Cresswell Society of District Council Treasurers Workshop

Well done! We got there in the end! Doom and Gloom predictions We always make things work for our taxpayers Doesn’t mean it was easy Doesn’t mean it’s getting easier Thanks to Sandra Baton passed to me & Dean Langton (Pendle)

Straw-Poll Everyone put one hand in the air Put your hand down if: – You did not make a cut to working age claimants – You went up to 8.5% – Your cut was 8.5% to 19% – Your cut was 20% to 29% – Who is left (find highest) – Who found that interesting? – OK mildy interesting!

SDCT LCST Survey Why? – Help authorities set schemes for 2014/15 – Learn from others – Put pressure on other preceptors (hopefully) – Assist decision making (e.g. Parishes Treatment) – Provide evidence to assist Members – Helps SDCT lobby DWP/DCLG

Survey 34 questions 23 in 10 minutes! Benefits and Revenues specifics More value the more completed Live now (survey monkey) 9 August 2013 Closing Date 9 August 2013 Results by end August hopefully

Survey Sections: – Name and Authority (1) – Your 2013/2014 Scheme (13) – Collection Rates (6) – Parishes (4) – Technical Reforms (7) – Plans for 2014/15 (3)

Discounts and Exemptions Flexibility Major – Class A (now Class D PCLD) – change period – Class C (now Class C PCLC) – Period and % Second Homes to 100% Empty Homes Premium Old ‘Class L’ (Mortgagees)

Class A and C Different approaches Covered in survey Some abolished Class A Class C – 10% for 28 days lowest known!

Empty Homes Premium DCLG Guidance 7 May 2013 All one page of it Up to billing Authorities Issue generating significant correspondence, members, MP etc.

Looking ahead…. More of the same – higher %age LCTS reduction – Lower discounts More Radical – Continue to protect all Pensioners? – Lower Single Persons Discount? – Discount Scheme? – Another Band (or two?) – Revaluation