Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Director of Resources

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He advised Members that it was proposed to reduce the number of years for which New Homes Bonus (NHB) payments were made from six to four, along with a phased approach to the proposal and the consideration of reforming the NHB incentive. He informed Members that the planning reforms should be kept separate to the changes to the payments.

Councillor R Blunt stated that this was the right approach and that even if administrations were the same party as the government, each had different agendas and NHB was important for local funding and getting new houses built

Councillor T J Pendleton highlighted that the changes were expected and that previous governments had considered finishing the scheme, adding that local authorities should take the opportunity to input into the consultation exercise.

It was moved by Councillor N J Rushton, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    That the Council responds to the NHB consultation paper in line with the principles and comments set out in the report (section 5).

2.    Authority be delegated to the interim Director of Resources to respond to the consultation paper in line with the principles and comments set out in the report.

Reason for decision: To ensure the Council is able to participate in the NHB consultation exercise – NHB being an important funding stream for the Council.