Issue - meetings

The Committee received a presentation from Mrs Sheila Coburn, the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service, outlining the proposed Council Tax Penalty Policy.

Mrs Coburn explained:

·  Many other Councils in Kent already had a Council Tax Penalty Policy.

·  The purpose of the policy was to ensure that the Council sent out a clear message that it was not acceptable for customers to not inform the Council of changes in circumstances that would affect their entitlement to Council Tax discounts, Council Tax support and Housing Benefit.

·  The Council had the power to withdraw any penalties if a customer issued with a penalty was found to be vulnerable.

In response to questions from the Committee, Mrs Coburn confirmed that the Penalty Policy could be introduced without having to increase resources or staffing in the team.

RESOLVED:

1.  That civil penalties for Council Tax, Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit are introduced.

2.  That the policy in Appendix 1 is approved.

Voting:  For - 14  Against - 0  Abstentions - 1