Issue - meetings

 A copy of report number FIN252 by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources previously submitted to the Resources DSP on 24th November 2005 is attached to this agenda, together with the minute containing the DSPs recommendations.                                                                            (attached)

DECISION:

(1)   That the Council adopts a new scheme for awarding Discretionary Rate Relief as set out in Appendix A to report FIN252, as amended to allow for 15% discretionary rate relief for community centres and village halls who have registered as a charity.  The revised scheme to come into effect from 1^st April 2006;

(2)   That all awards for Discretionary Rate Relief and Mandatory Relief are delegated to the Revenues Manager;

(3)   Appeals to be dealt with by the Portfolio Holder for Assets & Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)   Report number FIN252 prepared by the Revenues Manager setting details of a proposed alternative Discretionary Rate Relief scheme.  The Council decided to disinvest in its discretionary grants including Discretionary Rate Relief and set a budget of £10,000 per annum from 1^st April 2006 for the award of Business Rate Relief.  The Council is not in a position to deny applications for Business Rate Relief and therefore the Cabinet must review the criteria of awarding Discretionary Rate Relief and any issues as a result so as to keep within the £10,000 budget;

(2)   Details of the categories of ratepayers to who discretionary rate relief can be made and the two forms of rate relief – mandatory and discretionary.  Based on current figures, Discretionary Rate Relief of approximately £93,000 per annum is awarded.  If the Council did not have a scheme in place, the ratepayers would pay approximately £150,000 more in Business Rate each year and this would affect nearly 250 organisations including village halls and some schools;

(3)   Details of a proposed alternative scheme together with guidance for calculating Discretionary Rate Relief which demonstrates clear linkage to the Council’s priorities;

(4)   Noting that the Portfolio Holder will consider revising the discretionary rate relief scheme next year to take account of those Sports Clubs who have registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club being eligible for 80% relief;

(5)   Noting that the Council will consider favourably applications from community centres and village halls that have made applications for charitable status but are awaiting confirmation of that status from the Charities Commission.