The Director of Finance presented the report which brought together related issues regarding the Council Tax Base for 2024/25 upon which the annual billing and Council Tax levels would be set.

Members were informed that the report set out how the Council Tax Band D equivalent was calculated, by considering changes such as new builds, demolitions, discounts and exemptions as well as the empty property discount. A further calculation was then undertaken with the expected collection rate. Members were informed that the collection rate had gone down marginally based on last year and it was assumed that the cost of living crisis had made a small impact on collections. The Director of Finance explained that the income generated via Council Tax collection was forecast to be just over £180m which represented 45% of the Council’s funding.

Resolved – that the figure of 95,993.93 as the Council Tax Base for 2024/25 be approved.