Issue - meetings

To establish a discretionary rate relief policy for Business Rates in respect of charitable and non-profit making organisations, rural businesses and hardship cases.

Consideration was given to a discretionary rate relief policy for business rates in respect of charitable and non-profit making organisations, rural businesses and hardship cases.

RESOLVED

For the reasons set out in the report: -

Approval was given to

1.      the policy detailed in Appendix A for charitable, non-profit making and rural applications.

2.     the rural settlement list detailed in Appendix B.

3.      that applicants applying for discretionary relief only and with a rateable value below £10,000 be required to apply for Small Business Relief.

4.      that the Borough Treasurer & Head of Assets be given delegated authority to determine applications in accordance with the agreed policy.

5.      that consideration be given to allow applicants who would receive less relief under the new policy to retain their existing award until any future change in circumstances. 

6.      that applications that fall outside the agreed policy be determined by the Borough Treasurer & Head of Assets in conjunction with recommendations from senior revenues officers.

7.      that appeals against either a decision not to award relief or the level of relief awarded be considered by the Borough Treasurer & Head of Assets in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources.  If still not resolved, the case should be considered by Cabinet and appropriate amendments made to the policy if required, following the decision.

8.      that all applications for hardship relief be considered on a case by case basis by the Borough Treasurer & Head of Assets in consultation with the  Portfolio Holder for Resources and any appeals to be considered by Cabinet.