To seek approval to extend the Discretionary Relief Scheme to accommodate proposals announced in the Spring 2017 Budget to allow business rates relief to certain businesses. The relief will be funded by the Government.

1.       That the following additions to the local scheme for Business Rate Discretionary Relief be approved:

a.       Discretionary relief (local newspapers) scheme

b.       Discretionary relief (supporting small businesses) scheme

c.       Discretionary relief (pubs) scheme

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to finalise the policy detail on receipt of Government Guidance.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to award relief in respect of these new additions to the scheme.

4.       That it be noted that a further report on discretionary transitional relief would be presented after the Government had published a response to its consultation on operation of the scheme.