Decision details

To approve amendments to the Council Tax and Business Rates Discretionary Relief Policies to incorporate 2020-2021 and any new schemes as introduced by the government.

1.     That an amendment to the council tax discretionary discount policy, ‘to allow a discount to offset the reclaim of an overpayment of council tax support in certain circumstances’ be approved.

2.     That the following extensions to the local business rates discretionary relief policy be approved:

a.      In respect of revaluation support for one year from 1 April 2020.

b.      In respect of charitable and voluntary organisations for one year from 1 April 2020.

c.      In respect of local newspaper discount, for one year from 1 April 2020, subject to confirmation that the cost of relief will be fully reimbursed by Government.

d.      In respect of retail discount, for one year from 1 April 2020 at the increased rate of 50%, subject to confirmation that the additional cost of relief will be fully reimbursed by Government.

e.      In respect of relief for pubs, for one year from 1 April 2020, subject to confirmation that the cost of relief will be fully reimbursed by Government.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to finalise the policy detail in respect of categories d. and e. above on receipt of detailed guidance from Government.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to award relief in individual cases, in respect of new category e. above.