Local Government Finance Bill

Insert the following new Clause—

“Power to make discounts discretionary

(1) Section 11 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (discounts) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (3) leave out from “or” to the end and insert “such other percentage as the billing authority may determine”.

(3) Omit subsection (4).”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Council tax benefit scheme

Nothing in this Act shall prevent billing authorities retaining the provisions of the existing national council tax benefit scheme, such schemes to be fully funded by the Secretary of State.”

Page 5, line 28, at end insert—

“( ) No council tax reduction scheme shall, taking account of withdrawal of other benefits, have a taper which produces an overall withdrawal rate greater than that which would result from the application of the default scheme.”

Page 5, line 34, at end insert—

“(2A) Schemes under subsection (2) shall include 100% council tax rebate fully and additionally funded by central government for persons in receipt of—

(a) less than the income support applicable amount;

(b) the universal credit maximum award under section 1(3) of the Welfare Reform Act 2012.”

Page 60, line 33, at end insert—

“( ) sections 32 to 34 of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (benefit for persons taking up employment) so far as applying in relation to council tax benefit.”

Page 62, line 2, at end insert—

“( ) sections 32 to 34 of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (benefit for persons taking up employment) so far as applying in relation to council tax benefit.”

Page 63, line 3, at end insert “that make provision in relation to council tax”

Page 67, line 5, at end insert—

“( ) sections 32 to 34 of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (benefit for persons taking up employment) so far as applying in relation to council tax benefit.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Arrangements for future council tax benefit schemes

The provisions of section 9 shall cease to have effect after 31 March 2016 and the Secretary of State shall make arrangements for the reintroduction of a national council tax benefit scheme consistent with universal credit.”