Overview

This bill amends the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to require local authorities to collect information about property tenure (ownership type) when collecting council tax information. This includes details about private landlords for privately rented properties.

Description

Tenure Information Collection

The bill mandates that when local authorities collect council tax information, they must also request tenure information unless they already possess it. This information includes whether a property is owner-occupied, social housing, or privately rented. For privately rented properties, the landlord's name and address must be provided. Failure to provide the information may result in a financial penalty.

Data Use and Retention

Local authorities can use this tenure information for any reasonable and lawful purpose within their duties and responsibilities, including housing purposes. They must retain the information for 12 months after it becomes outdated.

Legal Protections

No existing data protection laws or contractual obligations prevent the sharing of this tenure information.

Amendments to Existing Acts

The bill also amends the penalties and enforcement sections of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and includes a minor amendment to the Housing Act 2004 related to the function of housing authorities.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs will likely involve updating council tax collection systems to accommodate the new information collection and data management requirements. Any financial penalties levied for non-compliance would generate revenue for local authorities.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Will be responsible for collecting and managing the new tenure information, potentially increasing administrative workload and costs.
• Council Taxpayers: Will be required to provide additional information when paying council tax, and may face penalties for non-compliance.
• Private Landlords: Will be required to provide their details to local authorities if their properties are privately rented.
• Social Housing Providers: Will be identified as such based on the tenure information.

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