Issue - meetings

(A) Approve implementing the discretionary business rates’

grant scheme using the same eligibility as criteria as

agreed in February 2017 but with following adjustments: 

-         Rateable value eligibility is between 12,000 – 51,000

to match the national retail rate relief scheme

-         Up to 50% of one year’s business rate liability is

availableafter all other discounts and exemptions

are applied

-         National chains not eligible to apply

-         Scheme in place until the national retail relief

scheme expires (31 March 2021) or the balance of

£65,079.07 is allocated (whichever is soonest)

(B)that the balance of £65,079.07 comes from the £150,000

allocated from the New Homes Bonus Reserve by

Executive in February 2017.

Councillor J Goodeve submitted a report updating the Executive on the discretionary rates business grant scheme that was introduced in April 2017 and seeking agreement to continue the scheme until the full funding was allocated. 

Councillor J Goodeve explained the operation of the scheme. 

Councillor L Haysey said the scheme encouraged new businesses in the areas, and had been refined to provide more clarity. 

Councillor M Pope asked about the disparity between take up for the Council’s scheme and the Government scheme. 

Councillor L Haysey said the schemes were not identical, so comparison was not straightforward, but businesses should be encouraged to consider whether the scheme was of value to them. 

Councillor J Goodeve proposed, and Councillor E Buckmaster seconded, a motion to support the recommendations detailed.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – (A) to approve implementing the discretionary business rates’ grant scheme using the same eligibility criteria as agreed in February 2017 but with following adjustments: 

-  Rateable value eligibility is between 12,000 – 51,000 to match the national retail rate relief scheme;

-              Up to 50% of one year’s business rate liability is available after all other discounts and exemptions are applied;

-              National chains not eligible to apply;

-              Scheme in place until the national retail relief scheme expires (31 March 2021) or the balance of £65,079.07 is allocated (whichever is soonest);

(B)     that the balance of £65,079.07 comes from the £150,000 allocated from the New Homes Bonus Reserve by

Executive in February 2017.