Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director Finance (Section 151 Officer)

Purpose of report

To inform Executive of the reviewed policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief and seek approval of the updated policy and respond to the motion from Council on supporting our high streets.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To note the contents of the reviewed policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief.

1.2           To approve the policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief.

1.3           To note the response to the motion “Supporting our High Streets”.

Resolved

(1)          That the contents of the reviewed policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief be noted.

(2)          That the policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief be approved.

(3)          That the response to the motion “Supporting our High Streets” be noted.

The Assistant Director Finance (Section 151 Officer) submitted a report to inform Executive of the reviewed policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief and seek approval of the updated policy and respond to the motion from Council on supporting our high streets.

Councillor Dr Okeke, who had proposed the motion at Council, addressed Executive, commenting on the importance of supporting local businesses and thanked Executive for the response.

Resolved

(1)          That the contents of the reviewed policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief be noted.

(2)          That the policy for Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief be approved.

(3)          That the response to the motion “Supporting our High Streets” be noted.

Reasons

The Non-Domestic Rate Discretionary Rate Relief policy was last reviewed in 2024.  It is good practice to review policies to ensure they remain relevant and in line with supporting the delivery of the Council’s policies.

The report also sets out a response to the motion “Supporting our High Streets”. Council supports the intent of the motion and acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by high streets, including changes in consumer behaviour, rising costs, and the legacy of wider economic disruption. Cherwell District Council has already taken, and continues to take, a range of targeted and place?based actions to support town centres and high streets, working closely with partners and stakeholders.

Alternative options

Option 1: To not approve the discretionary rate relief policy. Members could choose not to agree the proposed policy, but it would mean that we wouldn’t be able to continue to support local businesses, charities and voluntary organisations and would also reduce our financial flexibility in the future. The local authority must have a system in place to allow a person to make the request.