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LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE (LGFRC)

MINUTES OF FIFTEENTH MEETING: 25 AUGUST 2005, CARLTON HOTEL, EDINBURGH

Present:

Committee
Sir Peter Burt, Chairman
Professor John Baillie, Member
Peter Daniels OBE, Member
Dr Janet Lowe CBE, Member

In Attendance:
Kenneth McKay CBE, Specialist Adviser to the Committee
David Milne, Secretary to the Committee
Stewart Barrie, Assistant Secretary to the Committee


1. Matters Arising
1.1 The Committee discussed and agreed the appointment of NOP World to undertake qualitative research on its behalf. This work will consist of a series of deliberative focus groups carried out in October.
1.2 The Secretariat confirmed the appointment of Brodies LLP as legal advisors to the LGFRC. Given their forward work programme, the Committee considered their likely requirements for legal advice.
1.3 The Committee identified the need for further information on, and if possible, an objective assessment of, the concept and practical implications of a Land Value Tax (LVT) as well as consideration of the specific features of an LVT in practice, It was agreed that, as a starting point, the Secretariat should make contact with the Henry George Foundation.
1.4 The Committee noted a request that they meet with Sir Michael Lyons who is conducting the Inquiry into Local Government funding in England. The Committee agreed that it would welcome the opportunity to discuss areas of common ground and progress with Sir Michael.

2. Council Tax Banding Options
2.1 The Committee considered a paper on Council Tax Banding which outlined possible options for banding under any reformed Council Tax. A number of options were discussed and members expressed interest in the methodology originally used to derive the existing bands and relationship between the bands (ie multiplier). The Committee was unclear on the basis upon which the Council Tax bands and multiplier were set.
2.2 It was agreed that the Secretariat should investigate whether any detail was produced at the time of the consultation paper and Hansard records of the consequent Local Government Finance Bill in 1991 and 1992.

3. Any Other Business
3.1 None.


Summary of action points:

• Secretariat to liaise with the Henry George Foundation on LVT.
• Secretariat to discuss requirements for legal advice with Brodies LLP.
• Secretariat to arrange meeting with Sir Michael Lyons.
• Secretariat to obtain and circulate Government Consultation Paper and Hansard record of debates on the introduction of the Council Tax.

Local Government Finance Review Committee
Secretariat
September 2005