Minutes:
1) Local taxation
The Key features of the Chancellor's announcement on 100% retention of business were outlined.
It was agreed that business rates and the move to 100% retention was the key local government finance priority and that the LGA should:
· Review what new responsibilities and existing specific grants could be incorporated in the baseline. This would be particularly important if the Government decides to announce the list in the forthcoming Spending Review; and
· Discuss with Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) officials the key aspects of how the new system will work, ensuring that there is a balanced and collaborative relationship; work on the reform of business rates appeals, including taking forward the LGA's proposal for self-assessment.
2) Council tax
· Continue to with the LGA's existing lines on council tax.
· Subject to sufficient resource, charging council tax for land for which planning permission has been given could be considered as an area to work on.
3) Fiscal devolution
· Reference was made to the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Local Government Finance, however there was no discussion on this.
4) Business as usual
· It was recognised that work on the Local Government Finance Settlement, Budgets and Spending Reviews as well as the Future Funding Outlook were significant pieces of the work for the LGA.
· Members were keen to stress the importance of adult and children's social care funding; particularly looking at the match of responsibility to resources, in conjunction with other boards.