Issue - meetings

That the application for 100% business rates pilot in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be noted and supported.

The Executive considered a report setting out proposed membership of the Berkshire Business Rates Pilot involving all six Berkshire Unitary Authorities.

Members were informed by the Deputy Executive Member for Finance that if the bid to be included in the pilot was successful the potential financial gain to the Council would be £1m business rate retention as well as a £25m strategic investment across Berkshire which would benefit the regional economy on a wider scale.

Councillor Lee pointed out that the Reading Mass Rapid Transport Network would actually run all the way from Coppid Beach to Reading Station.  He also highlighted a £3m grant that had recently been received towards improving Winnersh Station.

RESOLVED:  That the application for 100% business rates pilot in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be noted and supported.