Decision details

To approve the Council’s Discretionary Rate Relief Policy for the term of the new Local Rating List, currently expected to be for 5 years until 31 March 2022.

Approve:

  i.  the Discretionary Rate Relief Policy as detailed in Appendix 1 (Charities, Community Amateur Sports Clubs and Non-Profit Making Organisations), and Appendix 2 (Section 44a “Part-Occupation” Relief and Section 49 “Hardship” Relief) of the submitted report;

  ii.  the Discretionary Rate Relief Policy of awarding relief under Government Proposals in all instances where the Council is 100% reimbursed by Section 31 “Burden Grant” pending the required change in primary legislation;

  iii.  the granting of Discretionary Rate Relief for qualifying ratepayers (subject to state aid rules) in the Alconbury Weald Enterprise Zone;

  iv.  the award of Section 47 “Localism Reliefs” only in highly exceptional cases where no other alternative relief is applicable, and the ratepayer aids benefit to the amenities of the community and/or to the aims   of the Council’s Corporate Plan

  v.  that the Head of Customer Service and the Local Taxation Manager be delegated authorisation to approve the award of Discretionary Rate Relief; and

  vi.  that the Corporate Director be delegated authorisation to deal with appeals against Discretionary Rate Relief decisions.

To ensure continued support and fairness to qualifying local ratepayers following the revaluation of the rating list, and to account for other proposed legislative changes from 1 April 2017 whilst at the same time limiting the financial effects of any changes for both the ratepayer and Council.

None considered.

As detailed within the submitted report.