Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director Finance (Interim)

Purpose of report

For members to consider the proposed Local Discretionary Relief Policy and to seek approval of the local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2020-2021.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1           To note the contents of the report and any financial implications for the Council.

1.2     To recommend that Full Council approve the adoption of the Local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2020-2021.

Resolved

(1)            That the contents of the report and any financial implications for the Council be noted.

(2)            That Full Council be recommended to approve the adoption of the Local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2020-2021.

The Executive Director Finance (Interim) submitted a report for Members to consider the proposed Local Discretionary Relief Policy and to seek approval of the local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2020-2021.

Resolved

(1)            That the contents of the report and any financial implications for the Council be noted.

(2)            That Full Council be recommended to approve the adoption of the Local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2020-2021.

Reasons

The Government expects billing authorities to use their discretionary powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act to deliver a Local Discretionary Relief scheme. Each authority is required to devise its own Discretionary Relief Scheme.

Alternative options

Option 1: Members could choose not to recommend the proposed schemes but in view of the fact that expenditure will be reimbursed the Government expects billing authorities to grant relief to all qualifying ratepayers