The Director of Finance provided information on the position regarding Council Tax, National Non Domestic Rate, general debt and cash income collection and the payment of benefits. In response to comments from Members, the Director confirmed that that the collection of National Non-Domestic Rates for the period 1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011 was ahead of 2010/2011 as many large firms were paying on time or ahead of schedule. He also provided explanation of the reduced income collection performance in relation to various sources of cash income.

In response to particular concern expressed by Members that schools budgets were being adversely affected as a result of claims for free school meals not being maximised, the Director confirmed that a requirement of the national system was for claimants to complete an application. Officers had been liaising with schools to increase claims for free meals from all who were entitled to them.

Resolved – That the report be noted.