PAPER E4

Purpose : For Information

Committee : EXECUTIVE

Date : 30 JULY 2002

Title : COUNCIL TAX CONSULTATION GUIDELINES

PORTFOLIO HOLDER - RESOURCES

1. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has published a set of guidelines designed to help local authorities consult their local population on Council Tax and budget issues.

2. The full document is lengthy (68 pages) and a hard copy is available if required. The guidelines were published in June and propose that annual consultation should commence in May each year.

3. A summary of the guidelines setting out the main points is attached at the Appendix. It will be seen that the process is in two stages, the first in May and June of each year and the second should start in November and December of each year and run for several months.

4. Although it is difficult to see how the exact process could fit into the Council’s budget process this year, there is nevertheless much useful information in the guidelines which can be used to develop and enhance the Council’s own process.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be noted and used to guide the further development of the Council’s budget and Council Tax consultation process.

A KAYE Head of Paid Service

R BARRY Portfolio Holder for Resources