Issue - meetings

(a)       That the 2023/24 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 2023/24 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 75% above the standard rate of Council Tax for designated long-term empty dwellings and 100% for second homes from 1^st April 2023; 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 and Procurement Manager introduced the report to formally set the Council Tax charges and associated statutory resolutions for 2023/24 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.

The overall level of Council Tax comprised three separate precepts which made up the total sum charged against each property.  The 3.99% 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 £101,126,334; the North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner’s total precept of £21,922,318; and the collective precept of £3,421,107 across all Town and Community Councils.

The recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillors Ian Roberts and Paul Johnson.

Councillor Richard Jones commented on the ongoing decline in annual increases in the Council’s Aggregated External Finance (AEF) from Welsh Government which impacted on residents in terms of Council Tax levels.

His comments were acknowledged by Councillor Chris Bithell who referred to the impact of reduced central funding on Police services.

Having been moved and seconded, each recommendation was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the 2023/24 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 2023/24 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 75% above the standard rate of Council Tax for designated long-term empty dwellings and 100% for second homes from 1^st April 2023; 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.