Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Leader is asked to

declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of

Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Executive Leader was invited to declare, at this point in the meeting, any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, or any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests, which he have in the business on the agenda. No additional interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Decision Session held on 14 January 2019.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Executive Leader (incorporating Finance & Performance) Decision Sessions held on 14 January 2019 be approved and then signed by the Executive Leader as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Friday, 8 March 2019.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the Executive Member’s remit.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be filmed and webcast, or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts or, if recorded, this will be uploaded onto the Council’s website following the meeting.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809

It was reported that there had been one registration to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme. Gwen Swinburn spoke on the key decision process, raised a number of concerns regarding the retail discount scheme and requested information on several items. The Executive Leader gave clarification on the key decision process.

This report sets out the details of York’s proposed new retail discount scheme for the period 2019 to 2021, providing a reduction in business rates for qualifying businesses, and seeks approval for the category of retail properties that will benefit from the scheme.

Resolved: That;

a)           City of York Council’s scheme for applying the retail discount in line with central government guidance as set out at Annex A of the report be approved;

b)           Properties not listed in the government’s guidance (and at Annex A of the report) that may meet the qualifying criteria be considered on a case by case basis and awards made if deemed to meet the qualifying criteria by the Business Rates Team (Paragraph 9 of the report);

c)           Properties not listed in the Government’s guidance and at Annex A of report and are considered not to meet the Government’s qualifying criteria be considered on a case by case basis and be declined by the Business Rates Team (Paragraphs 10 &11 of the report);

d)           The Council automatically awards this discount to all the businesses we identify as meeting the qualifying criteria (Paragraph 19 of the report).

Reason:     To support local business in York protecting employment and growing the local economy. 

The Revenues Benefits and Subsidy Manager outlined the paper and in response to questions from the Executive Leader confirmed that that administration costs would be covered by a separate payment.

Resolved: That;

a)           City of York Council’s scheme for applying the retail discount in line with central government guidance as set out at Annex A of the report be approved;

b)           Properties not listed in the government’s guidance (and at Annex A of the report) that may meet the qualifying criteria be considered on a case by case basis and awards made if deemed to meet the qualifying criteria by the Business Rates Team (Paragraph 9 of the report);

c)           Properties not listed in the Government’s guidance and at Annex A of report and are considered not to meet the Government’s qualifying criteria be considered on a case by case basis and be declined by the Business Rates Team (Paragraphs 10 &11 of the report);

d)           The Council automatically awards this discount to all the businesses we identify as meeting the qualifying criteria (Paragraph 19 of the report).

Reason:     To support local business in York protecting employment and growing the local economy.