Decision details
Allocation of discretionary business rates relief grant
PDF 113 KBDecision Maker: Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
To determine the criteria against which local
businesses who have experienced a significant increase in their
rates payable from 1 April 2017 can apply for a share of the
Government grant allocated to Bracknell Forest of £235k in
2017/18
Decision:
1 That a local relief scheme for all small businesses that have incurred an increase of more than 10% in their Rateable Value be implemented as detailed in the Borough Treasurer’s report through which they will be eligible to receive reductions in their business rates costs in 2017/18 and 2018/19.
2 That consideration of a scheme for the years 2019/20 and 2020/21 be deferred in order for the impact of the initial scheme to be evaluated and for the economic situation affecting different types of businesses to be taken into account closer to that time, noting the particularly low level of Government funding available in these years.
Reasons for the decision:
The scheme proposed to allocate the available Government grant is felt to give the most beneficial help to the majority of small businesses within the area who have experienced high increase in their rateable value and can be implemented within the shortest time scale. It is relatively simple to administer and has clear criteria so that businesses can see whether they qualify for the discretionary relief or not.
Alternative options considered:
Scheme 2 - A scheme whereby businesses could bid for a discount from the Grant by demonstrating an economic benefit or growth for Bracknell Forest.
Scheme 3 - Retail focussed scheme to support shops, cafés, restaurants that were open and in operation on 31 March 2017.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None.
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: None - financed from Government grant specifically for this purpose.
Declarations: None.
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.
Making Representations: Representations in writing to the Borough Treasurer.
Other reasons / organisations consulted
Report.
Consultees
All Members
Contact: Stuart McKellar, Executive Director: Resources Email: stuart.mckellar@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 352205.
Publication date: 13/10/2017
Date of decision: 10/10/2017
Effective from: 21/10/2017
Accompanying Documents: