Decision details

Retail Relief Policy

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