Agenda item

2.1

Dispensation relating to the setting of the Council Tax

2.1.1

Members were advised that under the Localism Act 2011 it was arguable that a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) may arise, where the business relates to setting the Council Tax or precept.  Therefore the Monitoring Officer had granted a dispensation under Section 33 2(a) of the Localism Act 2011 to all Elected Members to vote on this issue. All Members could therefore attend, debate and vote on motions or amendments which would result in the adoption of the annual budget. Members had been advised that, if they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest arising from any other aspect of the budget, it should be declared as normal and other personal interests would need to be declared if they become the subject of debate.

2.1.2

There were no declarations of interest by Members of the Council. 

2.2

Prohibition from voting on the grounds of Council Tax arrears

2.2.1

Members were also reminded that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 prohibited a Member from voting on the setting of the Council Tax charge where there are arrears of at least two months on a Council Tax account for which they were solely or jointly liable.

2.2.2

No Members declared an inability to vote on the setting of the Council Tax on the grounds explained above.