Issue - meetings

(a)       That the 2021-22 Council Tax be set as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)       That the continuation of the policy of not providing a discount in the level of 2021/22 Council Tax charges for second homes and long-term empty homes be endorsed.  Also, where exceptions do not apply, to charge the Council Tax Premium rate of 50% above the standard rate of Council Tax for second homes and long-term empty dwellings; and

(c)       That approval be given for designated officers to issue legal proceedings and appear on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates’ Court for unpaid taxes.

The Revenues Manager introduced the report to formally set the Council Tax charges and associated statutory resolutions for 2021/22 as part of the wider budget strategy on the basis of the decision taken on the previous item.  Members were asked to endorse the continuation of the Council Tax Premium scheme and the practice for designated officers to lead on legal proceedings on behalf of the Council.

As mentioned in the previous item, three separate precepts made up the overall level of Council Tax charges against each property.  The 3.95% increase in the Council’s element met expectations of affordability and would, along with central government funding and Revenue Support Grant, help to protect front-line services and maintain the scale and complexity of demand for services.  The overall amount raised by Council Tax consisted of the County Council’s total precept of £90,678,757; the North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner’s total precept of £19,868,694; and the collective precept of £3,110,430 across 34 Town and Community Councils.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Ian Roberts and seconded by Councillor Glyn Banks who praised officers in the Revenues Team for their work.

Councillor Banks took the opportunity to thank residents for paying their Council Tax and reiterated the support available for those who were struggling to pay.

The Chair also extended her thanks to the Revenues team for their support to residents and businesses throughout the emergency situation.  This was endorsed by the Chief Executive who recognised the role of both the Revenue and Benefits Teams during the period.

In response to questions from Councillor Peers, the Revenues Manager provided clarification on the exemptions applied to long-term empty dwellings and would provide a separate response on the amount of council tax generated from the Council Tax premium scheme.

Having been moved and seconded, the recommendations were put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the 2021-22 Council Tax be set as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)       That the continuation of the policy of not providing a discount in the level of 2021/22 Council Tax charges for second homes and long-term empty homes be endorsed.  Also, where exceptions do not apply, to charge the Council Tax Premium rate of 50% above the standard rate of Council Tax for second homes and long-term empty dwellings; and

(c)       That approval be given for designated officers to issue legal proceedings and appear on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates’ Court for unpaid taxes.