Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Finance

Summary

Section 47 of The Local Government Finance Act 1988 gives the Council discretionary power to reduce or remit business rates for Charities, Community Amateur Sports Clubs and ‘not for profit’ bodies. The purpose of this report is to agree an up to date policy which sets guidelines for considering applications and to give delegated authority to award relief. It is important that we ensure that all ratepayers making applications for this relief are treated in a fair, consistent and equitable manner.

The report outlines the :

·         Legislation requirements of the award of discretionary relief

·         Criteria for discretionary relief

·         Financial implications of awarding discretionary relief

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To consider the discretionary scheme outlined in this report.

(2)               To approve the proposed Discretionary Relief policy framework to be adopted forthwith and be reviewed on an annual basis. (Appendix A)

Recommendations Approved

The Head of Finance submitted a report which sought agreement an up to date policy which sets guidelines for considering applications and to give authority to award relief, in accordance with Section 47 of The Local Government Finance Act 1988 gives the Council discretionary power to reduce or remit business rates for Charities, Community Amateur Sports Clubs and ‘not for profit’ bodies.

Resolved

(1)               That the discretionary scheme be noted.

(2)               That the proposed Discretionary Relief policy framework as set out as annex 3 to the minutes (as set out in the minute book) be approved and reviewed on an annual basis

Reasons

The Local Government Finance Act 1988 and associated Regulations gives the Council a discretionary power to award rate relief under Section 47 in respect of the National Non-Domestic Rate (NNDR). The NNDR is also referred to as “business rates”.  The Council has 4,409 NNDR payers with a net collectable debit of £64,728,413.

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