Decision details

It was resolved –

·        To adopt the current Discretionary Business Rates Relief Policy – Charities and Non-Profit Making Organisations as detailed in Appendix A for the financial year 2016/17 only, and to instruct the Head of Function (Resources) and Section 151 Officer to ensure that administrative procedures before 31 March, 2016 advise relevant charities and non-profit making organisations that the policy will apply for 2016/17 only and will cease on 31 March, 2017.

·        That the current budget of £50k be increased by £7k to £57k to meet the costs of the proposed scheme during 2016/17.

·        That during 2016/17 the Head of Function (Resources) and Section 151 Officer undertakes a public consultation on the policy, based on the issues raised by the November 2015 review and also investigates whether alternative business rates relief can be provided at less cost to the Authority, for charities and non-profit making organisations.