That approval be given to consult on proposed changes to the Council Tax Discretionary Scheme on Empty Property Charges from April 2023.

Council Tax liability charges are set based on legislative requirements. There are a number of statutory discounts that the Council is required to award; however, since April 2013, the statutory discounts were removed for certain empty properties and councils were required to set their own discretionary policies. The report seeks approval to consult on a range of discounts related to unoccupied, empty properties included in the current discretionary policy, to be more fit for purpose and to align with GM counterparts.

To decide to leave the existing discretionary awards in place; however, this would potentially mean that savings would need to come from elsewhere which is more likely to have a more direct impact on vulnerable and / or financially struggling residents.