National Non-Domestic Rates (Business Rates) Discretionary Rate Relief Policy

(Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1998 as amended by Section 69 of the Localism Act 2011)

Overview

Section 69 of the Localism Act 2011 amends the 1988 Act to allow local authorities the discretion to grant discretionary local discounts to all types of businesses in order to help attract firms, investment and jobs to the area. There is cost to the Council in awarding this relief and the Council may decide that the immediate cost of the discount is outweighed by the long-term benefit of attracting growth and jobs to the area.

Eligibility

Local Discretionary Rate Relief

Up to 100% discretionary relief may be awarded for up to one year to any qualifying business.

Applications under this section will only be considered after consideration of any other forms of rate relief to which the applicant may be eligible. Awards will only be made in exceptional circumstances.

The Council will consider:

• each application on its own merits
• the level of discount being requested
• the reason for the request
• the interests of the ratepayers and the cost to the Council
• the value of any previous rewards and previous benefits to council tax payers
• overall profitability of the business
• consideration will be given as to the number of properties occupied by the applicant
• consideration will be given to Government guidance and advice regarding the Council's discretionary powers under the Localism Act

Relief will be granted where:

• the award of a discount will have a substantive, positive benefit for residents and the community
• the award of a discount will contribute to the achievement of the council's corporate priorities
• there are benefits to council tax payers
• the award will directly result in attracting business, investment or jobs
• the award will help to retain existing business which make a positive contribution to the community
• steps have been taken to meet or mitigate the business rates liability

Relief will not be granted where there are other sources of funding available.

Applications

Applicants must provide:

• a completed application form to demonstrate how the application satisfies the eligibility criteria
• any information required that is specific to the type of relief being applied for
• evidence of financial need
• any other information that the Council may consider necessary in order to assess the application

Duration

Relief may be awarded for up to one financial year.