201 BCa/19/26 INTRODUCTION OF A COUNCIL TAX PENALTIES POLICY PDF 238 KB
Cabinet Member for Finance
Additional documents:
Decision:
It was RESOLVED:-
That the implementation of a policy for the issuing of Council Tax penalties be approved.
Reason for Decision: The Council is committed to a pro-active approach in preventing and reducing the risks associated with fraud, error and other irregularities in the administration of Council Tax. Implementation of this policy supports this commitment.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
1.1 To continue service delivery as is, without utilising the opportunity to use Council Tax penalty regulations as part of an anti-fraud strategy.
1.2 Implement a policy for the issuing of Council Tax penalties as part of an anti-fraud strategy in order to maximise the tax base and protect the public purse.
Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report which had been prepared by the Shared Revenues Partnership. Councillor Ward explained the background to the policy and moved the recommendations in the report. Councillor Osborne seconded the recommendations.
Councillor Arthey queried if this policy would apply to residents who own more than one property and benefit from a discount on each, for example a holiday home and a main residence. The SRP Operations Manager confirmed that these instances would be targeted by the review and provided an explanation of the method of determining a Council Taxpayers main residence.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:-
That the implementation of a policy for the issuing of Council Tax penalties be approved.
Reason for Decision: The Council is committed to a pro-active approach in preventing and reducing the risks associated with fraud, error and other irregularities in the administration of Council Tax. Implementation of this policy supports this commitment.