Issue - meetings

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

It was resolved –

·      To approve the extension of the current policy for a period of one year, to 31 March 2027.

·      That the Council consult with the organisations that currently receive relief through the policy to determine the policy moving forward from April 2027 onwards.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer which sought the Executive’s approval to extend the Discretionary Business Rates Relief Policy for charities and non-profit making organisations for one year to 31 March 2027 was presented for consideration

At this point, Councillors Neville Evans, Gary Pritchard and Ieuan Williams declared a personal interest only as members/trustees of charities and/or non-profit making organisations.

Councillor Robin Williams, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the report noting that a revaluation of non-domestic rates will take effect from 1 April 2026 alongside changes to other relief schemes and transitional arrangements. In light of this, it was considered that introducing an additional change to the rates relief policy at this time would be inappropriate and could further affect organisations which may be impacted by the forthcoming changes.

The current policy provides a substantial amount of financial help to a large number of charities and non-profit making organisations and remains affordable, although changes in property valuations and the multiplier will alter the overall cost of providing the relief. Postponing the implementation of a new policy will allow the Council to assess the actual cost of the policy in 2026/27 which can then inform the policy from April 2027 onwards. It is also proposed that the Council consult with organisations currently receiving relief through the policy to help determine the policy from 2027 onwards.

It was resolved –

·      To approve the extension of the current policy for a period of one year, to 31 March 2027.

·      That the Council consult with the organisations that currently receive relief through the policy to determine the policy moving forward from April 2027 onwards.