Local Government Finance Bill

Page 33, line 34, at end insert—

“(4) The calculation must ensure that the relevant authority is fully compensated for any losses due to rating appeals caused by rating errors made by the Valuation Office Agency.”

Page 36, leave out lines 25 to 31 and insert—

“(2) Before making such a determination, the Secretary of State must consult such relevant authorities and bodies representing relevant authorities as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate about whether the Secretary of State should make such a determination.

(3) If, following consultation under sub-paragraph (1), the Secretary of State determines that the amount referred to in sub-paragraph (1) is to be distributed among one or more relevant authorities, the distribution may not be made unless—

(a) the basis on which the Secretary of State intends to make the distribution (“the basis of distribution”) is specified in the local government finance report for the year in question, and

(b) the report is approved by a resolution of the House of Commons.

(3A) If a report is approved by resolution of the House of Commons under sub-paragraph (3)(b), the Secretary of State must calculate what amount (if any) falls to be paid to each relevant authority as its share of the amount referred to in sub-paragraph (1).”

Page 36, line 36, leave out “regulations” and insert “local government finance report”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Changes to national business rate policy

The Secretary of State may not make any changes to national business rate policy which impact on local business rate yields without first consulting with all interested parties.”

Page 58, line 32, at end insert—

“( ) A scheme must set out the steps, including consulting local charities and organisations providing advice on benefits, which the local authority will take to ensure that—

(a) it estimates the numbers of people eligible to an application for reduction under the scheme;

(b) persons entitled to a reduction will be made aware of their entitlement; and

(c) assistance is available to such persons who wish to make an application.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Grants paid under section 70 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012

(1) Any grant paid to local authorities under section 70 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 (social fund) shall be expended by the local authority only for said purposes.

(2) Any such grants will be made under the guidance of the Secretary of State with regard to the application of any “local connection rules” including so that any such rule does not apply to—

(a) people who have fled domestic violence;

(b) young people who have left local authority care;

(c) young people who are homeless, or who have been homeless within the last 12 months;

(d) people who have left institutional or residential care, including a hospital, prison or young offenders’ institution.”