Issue - meetings

To provide members with details about the proposal to remove the existing discretionary discount for properties that are undergoing or require major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work to make the property capable of being lived in. This has been suggested by the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Task Group and recommended by Executive at their meeting on 2.12.25 to seek Full Council approval. 

RESOLVED:

1)    From 1st April 2026, the Council no longer offers the 50% Council Tax Discount for up to 12 months for properties that are deemed to be undergoing or require major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work ; and

2)    Revokes the original decision to award the discount that was agreed by Full Council on 15 January 2013, that took effect from 1 April 2013.

Consideration was given to the agenda report to remove the existing discretionary discount for properties undergoing or requiring major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work to make the property capable of being lived in.

This potential £600k saving was suggested by the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Task Group and recommended by Executive at its December 2025 meeting for approval.

This would encourage properties back into use, would decrease the administrative burden on the service, and financial support would be considered for cases caused exceptional hardship by the requirement to pay council tax.

It was proposed by Councillor Parrot, the Executive Member for Corporate and Finance and seconded by the Leader Councillor Keeling and

RESOLVED

1)    From 1st April 2026, the Council no longer offers the 50% Council Tax Discount for up to 12 months for properties that are deemed to be undergoing or require major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work; and

2)    Revokes the original decision to award the discount that was agreed by Full Council on 15 January 2013, that took effect from 1 April 2013.