Issue - meetings

Report from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

Decision

Cabinet recommends to Council the approval of the Council Tax base for the financial year 2021/22 equating to 48,122.4 in accordance with the relevant legislation. This will form the basis upon which the Council will estimate Council Tax income for the 2021/22 budget.

Considerations/reasons for decision

·       Report from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources on the Council Tax Base 2021/22.

·       The Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by s84 of the Local Government Act 2003, which sets out the requirements allowing each local authority to make its arrangements for adopting the Council Tax Base.

·       The Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012.

·       The proposed tax base for South Kesteven 2020/21 was 48,122.4 Band D equivalents and was an increase of 0.4% on the previous financial year 2020/21.

·       The calculation of the tax base for parish purposes was based on the number of properties as at 14 September 2020 and the discounts and exemptions applicable on 5 October 2020, as prescribed by legislation.

·       Adjustments for the reductions in the tax base as a result of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

·       The setting of a realistic and prudent collection rate for Council Tax in 2021/22 is an essential component of the overall budget strategy. It is anticipated that a collection rate of 98.68% will be achieved in 2020/21 and this will form the basis of the collection rate for 2021/22.

Other options considered

None.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources presented the report on the Council Tax base for 2021/22. The proposed base for South Kesteven for 2021/22 was 48,122.4 Band D equivalents, an increase of 0.4% on the previous financial year 2020/21. The figure was less than the Medium Term Plan financial plan projection of 1.5%; this was due to fewer properties and the number of residents claiming Council Tax support. The setting of the Council Tax base was a key part of the budget and was based on the number of properties as at September 2020. The collection rate as at 30 November 2020 was only 0.8% less than 30 November 2019 and had increased since the reintroduction of recovery and direct support for those experiencing hardship.  The recommendation as contained within the report was proposed and seconded.

On being put to the vote, it was AGREED:

To recommend to Council the approval of the Council Tax base for the financial year 2021/22 equating to 48,122.4 in accordance with the relevant legislation. This will form the basis upon which the Council will estimate Council Tax income for the 2021/22 budget.