This report seeks consideration of various issues relating to the Business Rates Relief Policy and the continuation of the Transitional Business Rate Relief after 31 March 2015.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council that the Transitional Business Rate Relief continues after 31 March 2015; Cabinet will note the Government’s proposal for business relief for childcare providers and the increase of the retail relief to business from £1,000 to £1,500 funded by Government.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought consideration of the continuation of the Transitional Business Rate Relief after 31 March 2015; the Government’s proposal for business relief for childcare providers and the increase of the retail relief to business from £1,000 to £1,500 funded by Government.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of advice received from Government and the new discretionary powers which were introduced by the Localism Act 2011 under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1988 as amended.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that the Transitional Business Rate Relief Scheme to extend Transitional Relief to small and medium sized properties where the responsibility for the development of the policy be delegated to the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive.