Agenda item

The Chair invited Mike Heiser, Senior Adviser, to introduce the item. 

Mike stated that the report sets out the key points in the Government’s technical consultation on the 2019/20 local government finance settlement and asked members to comment on the LGA’s draft response.  Mike stated that this had also been considered by both the LGA’s Leadership Board and Executive.

The Chair thanked Mike for his update and invited members feedback:

·         Members discussed amending the response to increase the council tax flexibility for shire districts below the referendum limit to £10 or 3 per cent , and to make the case for districts in two tier areas to be able to raise a ‘prevention precept’ to be used alongside the adult social care precept. It was stated that there should be a jointly agreed plan for spending this moneyMembers discussed how the New Homes Bonus revenue did not meet the additional costs from new housing in full. They agreed to strengthen the wording relating to the New Homes Bonus.

The Chair thanked members for their comments.

Action

·         Members agreed the response subject to the comments made being incorporated.