Issue - meetings

To consider proposed rate relief scheme policies for public houses, and for supporting small businesses.

RESOLVED:

(a)         That the policies for rate relief for public houses and for supporting small businesses, as set out in Appendix A to Report Item 5 to the Cabinet, be adopted; and

(b)         That the Service Manager be given delegated authority to make decisions in respect of these policies.

The Cabinet was advised of Government Guidance, as attached as Appendix A to Report Item 5 to the Cabinet, on three rate relief schemes to support businesses following the recent revaluation of rateable values.  The 3 rate reliefs available were for public houses; small businesses and a discretionary relief scheme.  The schemes for public houses and small businesses were relatively well defined and would support 120 public houses and 50 small businesses locally.  The discretionary rate relief scheme had Government funding for 4 years.  There was guidance, but it was for billing authorities to decide on their own schemes.  The local scheme would be considered by the Council Tax Reduction Task and Finish Group, which would make recommendations.

RESOLVED:

(a)         That the policies for rate relief for public houses and for supporting small businesses, as set out in Appendix A to Report Item 5 to the Cabinet, be adopted; and

(b)         That the Revenues Manager and the Service Manager be given delegated authority to make decisions in respect of these policies.