Issue - meetings

This report sets out the proposed new reoccupation rate relief scheme for Cabinet approval.

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

(i)           Agree Option 1, to approve all applications from businesses (within state aid rules) excluding those set out at paragraph 4 reserving the right of the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member to exclude any businesses that they would deem do not support the councils wider objectives or the community at large;

(ii)          Approve the power to make individual awards to the Chief Financial Officer as set out at Paragraph 10 of the report.

Reason:   (i)      To provide clarity in respect of the categories for   which the council will not consider awarding reoccupation relief. 

(ii)      To ensure that all applications are dealt with immediately when they are received and that where a business qualifies their bill is promptly amended. 

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of a new reoccupation rate relief scheme which would provide a reduction in business rates of up to 50%, or the ‘state aid’ limit, for qualifying businesses.

It was noted that the relief would help sustain employment, encourage growth of the economy in particular new business. Any relief awarded to local businesses would then be met in full by central Government.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that this was an update report following receipt of final details of the scheme from Government. Members were asked to consider the following options in relation the provision of relief using the scheme:

Option 1 – Approve all applications from businesses (within state aid rules) excluding those set out at paragraph 4 reserving the right of the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member to exclude any businesses that they would deem do not support the councils wider objectives or the community at large;

Option 2 – Provide no reoccupation relief at all.

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

(i)           Agree Option 1, to approve of all applications from businesses (within state aid rules) excluding those set out at paragraph 4 reserving the right of the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member to exclude any businesses that they would deem do not support the councils wider objectives or the community at large;

(ii)      Approve the power to make individual awards to the Chief Financial Officer as set out at Paragraph 10 of the report. ^1.

Reason:   (i)      To provide clarity in respect of the categories for   which the council will not consider awarding reoccupation relief. 

(ii)      To ensure that all applications are dealt with immediately when they are received and that where a business qualifies their bill is promptly amended.