Agenda item

(a)  That the policies for Business Rates for 2020-21 at Appendix A and B be approved.

(b)  That the Director of Finance & Resources, following consultation with the Lead Member for Inclusive Growth & Skills, be given delegated authority to update the policies following receipt of detailed information or guidance arising from the changes announced by the Chancellor in the March 2020 Budget.

The Director of Finance & Resources introduced a report that sought approval for the updated policies for Business Rates for 2020/21 onwards in respect of the retail discount and pub discount.

A supplementary agenda had been circulated following the Chancellor’s Budget on 11^th March 2020 announcing further support to businesses effected by the coronavirus restrictions.  This included an increase in the retail discount from 50% to 100%.  It was proposed that the Director of Finance & Resources be given delegated authority to update the policies to take account of any Government guidance.  This was agreed.

At the conclusion of the discussion the recommendations in the report and addendum were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That the policies for Business Rates for 2020-21 at Appendix A and B be approved.

(b)  That the Director of Finance & Resources, following consultation with the Lead Member for Inclusive Growth & Skills, be given delegated authority to update the policies following receipt of detailed information or guidance arising from the changes announced by the Chancellor in the March 2020 Budget.