Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151).

The Cabinet received a report which contained the Care Leavers Discount Policy. This outlined the Council’s approach to grant discretionary reductions in liability for Council Tax under S13a (1) (c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 in respect of specified care leavers within the Council’s area. The Council has the ability to reduce liability in relation to individual cases or class(es) of cases.

Consideration was given to:

·         There was no mention of unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) within the report, it was highlighted that the Council should be mindful of UASCs. The Corporate Manager for Benefits, Income and Recovery reassured that when cases were received from Devon County Council (DCC), Mid Devon’s Welfare Officer would look at the wider care that might be required.

·         It was good that the Council could support this scheme and that Mid Devon would be the first District Council in Devon to adopt this policy.

·         Asked who would make up the shortfall for the major preceptors, the Corporate Manager for Benefits, Income and Recovery explained that the entirety of costs for this scheme came under the billing authority and was not a shared cost.

·         Asked if the Council covered these costs, it was explained that the exemption applied to those within the Mid Devon District as well as the preceptors as listed. The General Fund charges the Collection Fund at the end of each year for the tax base to rectify any costs incurred. 

·         It was asked if this Council, alongside DCC supported young people getting into College. The Corporate Manager for Benefits, Income and Recovery explained that wider support from the Welfare Officer involved would signpost individuals to what was available.

·         The benefits of this scheme for the taxpayer would be seen.

RESOLVED that:

1. Cabinet recommend to Full Council the adoption of the Care Leavers Discount Policy.

2. Delegated authority is given to the Corporate Manager for Revenues, Benefits & Corporate Recovery to make technical scheme amendments to ensure it meets the criteria set by the Council (4.0 in policy)

(Proposed by Cllr J Buczkowski, seconded by Cllr S Keable)

Reason for the decision:

Helps Mid Devon to support customers and vulnerable households, bringing the Council and community closer together by working in partnership with other councils.

Note: * Report previously circulated.