Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of personal interest.

RESOLVED that the decision record of the meeting held on the 8th November 2018 be signed as a correct record.

FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE AND FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST TEST THE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER MAY CONSIDER THAT THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION AS IT CONTAINS EXEMPT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH 14 OF PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 12A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1972 AS AMENDED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) (VARIATION) (WALES) ORDER 2007

RESOLVED pursuant to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information)(Variation)(Wales) Order 2007 that the following items were not for publication as the reports contained exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Following the application of the public interest test it was RESOLVED pursuant to the Act referred to in minute no. 3 above not to publicise the content of the report as it contained exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) (Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act).

The public interest test in this matter related to the fact that the report included personal data relating to former council tenants, including details of their rent arrears.  The publication of individual debts was unwarranted and would prejudice the rights and freedoms of the relevant data subjects.  Accordingly, the public interest in disclosure was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining confidentiality.

The Executive Board Member considered a report prepared in accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules, seeking the write-off of former tenant debts in excess of £1,500. The report provided the current position on former tenant debt of former tenants of Council Stock.

The Executive Board Member noted that the cases outlined in the report were long-standing cases and that attempts had been made to trace the former tenant and recover sum outstanding, both of which had been unsuccessful.

The Housing Officer advised that there were some minor amendments to the report, in relation to Case number 6 – the reference number should read 223406-019-1237. Also, minor changes to the recovery actions in Case no 8.

Following a request from the Executive Board Member to receive more detailed information in relation to the background of the cases.  The Tenancy Support Lead suggested to defer case no 12, in order to provide the Executive Board Member with more detailed information prior to making a determination.

RESOLVED that the former tenant debt arrears detailed within the report be written-off as irrecoverable with the exception of case no 12, which is to be deferred for further information.

Following the application of the public interest test it was RESOLVED pursuant to the Act referred to in minute 3 above not to publicise the content of the report as it contained exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) (Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act).

The public interest test in this matter related to the fact that the report included personal data relating to former council tenants, including details of their rent arrears.  The publication of individual debts was unwarranted and would prejudice the rights and freedoms of the relevant data subjects.  Accordingly, the public interest in disclosure was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining confidentiality.

The Executive Board Member considered a report detailing applications which had been received for discretionary reduction of Council Tax.

It was noted that regulations had been introduced with effect from April 2004 giving Local Authorities discretionary powers to grant locally determined Council Tax discounts or reductions, over and above existing statutory reductions.

RESOLVED to award a 50% reduction in the arrears balance (full balance stated as £507.93) relating to application 60066707-5.

Following the application of the public interest test it was RESOLVED pursuant to the Act referred to in minute 3 above not to publicise the content of the report as it contained exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) (Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act).

The public interest test in this matter related to the fact that the report contained informatio about the individual ratepayer’s recent financial history and/or personal information. Although public disclosure of the report would promote accountability for public finances, it would release confidential financial information.  Accordingly, the public interest in disclosure was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining confidentiality.

The Executive Board member considered an application for Hardship Relief under the provisions of Section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

RESOLVED that application references 80024174 for hardship relief be refused.

Following the application of the public interest test it was RESOLVED pursuant to the Act referred to in minute 3 above not to publicise the content of the report as it contained exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information)(Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act).

The public interest test in this matter related to the fact the report contained information, the disclosure of which, would be likely to undermine the Council’s position in any subsequent negotiations. Accordingly, public in disclosure was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining confidentiality.

The Executive Board Member considered a report on proposals for the future use of the surplus asset as noted above.

RESOLVED to lease the property to Crochan Cothi Trust for a period of 20 years at a peppercorn rent, subject to inclusion of relevant lease clauses to protect the Council’s position.