Decision Maker: Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Decision:
That the Council’s Retails Relief Policy
as agreed by the meeting of Full Council on the 26 February 2020 be
amended and such changes implemented as soon as practically
possible to allow for rate relief to be awarded for retail,
hospitality, leisure and child care nurseries as set out within
guidance issued by MHCLG in response to the Covid 19
pandemic.
Reasons for the decision:
In response to the Covid 19 pandemic the
Government has introduced a package of measures to financially
support businesses. Rate relief forms an important part of those
measures and will act to support local businesses and wider economy
going forward.
Alternative options considered:
Whilst introduction of the changes is at the
discretion of the council and the council could decide not make the
changes proposed by government, this would be to the detriment to
local businesses and wider economy.
The increased cost of rate relief is fully funded by Government and
has no adverse impact.
Details of the Committee: The decision has been taken in line with delegations to the Head of Revenues and Benefits in consultation with the Councils Corporate Leadership Team and the Leader of the Council.
Delegation to the Head of Revenues and Benefits:
The administration, collection and recovery of non-domestic rates and Council Tax, including determining any discretionary items in connection with local taxation or national non-domestic rates.
Contact: Sheila Coburn Email: sheila.coburn@midkent.gov.uk.
Publication date: 26/03/2020
Date of decision: 24/03/2020