Issue - meetings

That:

1)        the proposed Localised Discretionary Relief Scheme, as set out in the report, for 2017/2018 be agreed;

2)        authority for approval for allocation of grant for subsequent years be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services and Executive Member for Finance on the same equal pro-rata basis as 2017/2018.

The Executive considered a report which recommended the adoption of a Localised National Non Domestic Rates Discretionary Rate Relief Scheme.

The Executive Member for Finance introduced the report and stated that funding for the scheme was made available following the Spring Budget 2017. The aim was to help those businesses facing a large increase in their business rates following the 2017 revaluation.

The report stated that 540 properties had been identified which met the criteria for an award under the scheme. It was proposed that each property receive an initial allocation with residual funds allocated before the end of the financial year on an equal basis.

In response to a question from Councillor Weeks, Councillor McGhee-Sumner confirmed that businesses seeking relief from the scheme would have to apply to the Council.

RESOLVED That:

1)        the proposed Localised Discretionary Relief Scheme, as set out in the report, for 2017/2018 be agreed;

2)        authority for approval for allocation of grant for subsequent years be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services and Executive Member for Finance on the same equal pro-rata basis as 2017/2018.