Agenda item

Business Rates Policies 2019/20 - Retail Discounts

Decision:

That the policy for Retail Discounts as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report that sought approval for a Business Rates Retail Discount Policy.

 

The Chancellor had announced the nationally funded scheme in the 2018 Autumn Budget to recognise the issues faced by the retail sector.  The Council was required to adopt a policy to implement the scheme.  It would provide a discount of one third of the bill for occupied retail properties with a rateable value of less than £51,000 in both 2019/20 and 2020/21.  The policy closely followed Government guidance, however, it was proposed that takeaways, off licences and licenced sex establishments be excluded from the discount.

 

The Cabinet welcomed the support for retailers and agreed with the exclusions.  Officers clarified how the discounts would apply to premises with multiple uses, for example a fuel retailer with an off-licence; the process for reimbursement for discounts; and the administrative burdens of operating the scheme.  It was also noted that the discount would be applied automatically.

 

At the conclusion of the discussion, the policy as at Appendix A to the report was agreed.

 

Resolved –  That the policy for Retail Discounts as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

Supporting documents: