Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The changes to the business rates retail discount scheme for 2020/21 as detailed in appendix 2 and the detailed guidance in appendix 3 be approved;

2.    The nursery discount scheme for 2020/21 in line with appendix 2 and the detailed guidance in appendix 4 be approved;

3.    The Head of Revenues and Benefits be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance, to implement any further changes in 2020/21 made by the Government to the reliefs detailed in appendix 2;

4.    The Head of Revenues and Benefits be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance, to implement any new business rate relief schemes introduced by the Government in 2020/21 in accordance with any guidance provided and subject to them being fully funded;

5.    Authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to take decisions relating to the reliefs outlined in this report; and authority be delegated to the Executive Director Finance and Assets, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance, to consider and determine any reviews requested in respect of such decisions.

The Cabinet Member Finance presented the report, noting that it was an updated version of a policy that had been considered by Council several times. The situation developed very quickly, and the council’s priority was to get funding out to local businesses as soon as possible. She praised the finance team for their work in distributing the money quickly, noting that a delay of just a week or two could have had serious ramifications for businesses. The report did not contain any major policy changes, only a revision to the 2020-21 budget.

The Cabinet Member Economy and Development praised efforts to support the local economy, which was echoed by several members. The Leader added particular thanks to the wider finance team for putting the report together, and moved to the vote, which was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The changes to the business rates retail discount scheme for 2020/21 as detailed in appendix 2 and the detailed guidance in appendix 3 be approved;

2.    The nursery discount scheme for 2020/21 in line with appendix 2 and the detailed guidance in appendix 4 be approved;

3.    The Head of Revenues and Benefits be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance, to implement any further changes in 2020/21 made by the Government to the reliefs detailed in appendix 2;

4.    The Head of Revenues and Benefits be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance, to implement any new business rate relief schemes introduced by the Government in 2020/21 in accordance with any guidance provided and subject to them being fully funded;

5.    Authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to take decisions relating to the reliefs outlined in this report; and authority be delegated to the Executive Director Finance and Assets, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance, to consider and determine any reviews requested in respect of such decisions.