Decision details

An amendment to the Non Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Policy which will allow the council to award relief under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to ratepayers affected by the 2017 Business Rates revaluation.

The Cabinet Member approves the proposal relating to the reliefs in the document E2985 – Appendix 1 – draft Appendix D to Discretionary rates relief Policy – Revaluation Support.

The Government announced the introduction of these relief schemes at the Spring 2017 Budget, with the key aims to help businesses and ratepayers adversely affected by the 2017 revaluation. In order to administer the schemes the Council must update its policy on Business Rates Relief and where appropriate introduce criteria and rules to qualify for the reliefs. The awarding of relief will be in the best interests of Council Tax payers as it will support a diverse and vibrant local economy and is fully funded by Government.

Other proposed schemes from Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council. A scheme where lump sum amounts would be awarded as opposed to a percentage reduction in liability.