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This negative instrument was sent to members some time ago and no comments have been received. The Subordinate Legislation Committee, of which Bristow Muldoon and I are members, considered the instrument. I hope that he remembers something about it, because I do not. The Subordinate Legislation Committee's report on the instrument is included in the papers for today's meeting. That committee decided not to draw the instrument to the attention of Parliament. As no motion to annul has been lodged, no other action can be taken on the instrument at this time.
I wanted some clarification of the implications of removing the requirement on local authorities to serve a final notice prior to applying for a summary warrant in relation to collection of unpaid council tax. I know that that will not be compulsory, but has there been any assessment of what it will mean for people? Does it mean that there will be more summary warrants because people will not get a final notice and will therefore not be as prepared as they might be? I just wonder what assessment has been made of the matter.
I know that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has considered the matter and agreed on it. I hate to say this to a member of the SNP, but the regulation would bring Scotland into line with England and Wales, and COSLA is happy with it.
It is mentioned in "It Pays to Pay" and I spoke about it to the clerk before the meeting started. I want to find out whether it would have any effect other than to reduce the cost to councils. If the main effect is to reduce the cost to councils, great stuff, but if it means that more summary warrants will be issued, that might be a retrograde step.
It would not mean that. It would give people an extra month to pay, if my memory serves me right. It would allow people in Scotland that extra month, so it should not affect the number of warrants issued.
Is the purpose of the regulations simply to speed up procedure?
"It Pays to Pay" is a worthwhile document. I remember spending an exciting Saturday night reading it from cover to cover—because I am such a sad, boring individual.
You certainly are.
My concern is not about the whole statutory instrument, but about that specific issue. I realise that more money will come in earlier on, which is definitely a benefit to local authorities, but I fear that there might be more summary warrants, just because people are not used to the system.
I take your point, but there is no action that we can take at the moment. Members can either agree or disagree the instrument. If you disagree, I suggest that you either take up the issue or keep an eye on what happens in this area.
I was just asking for clarification. I did not want to do anything else with it at this stage.
Does the committee agree that it has no recommendation to make on the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) (Scotland) Amendment (No 2) Regulations 2000 (SSI 2000/261)?
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