Decision details

Implementation of Expanded Business Rates Retail Discount 2020/21

Reference: D50773

Decision Maker: Director of Resources

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To implement the Government’s COVID-19 response to extend business rate relief to retail, leisure, and hospitality properties.

Decision:

1. To adopt a scheme implementing the Government’s Expanded Business Rates Retail Discount 2020/21 providing 100% business rates relief to retail, leisure, and hospitality properties.

2. To note that c£160m business rate relief will be claimed from the Government via S31 grant calculated by the completion of an updated NNDR1 return.

3. To reimburse business rates for 2020/21 where business which are eligible for business rates relief under the Expanded Business Rates Relief Discount 2020/21have already paid business rates in 2020/21.

4. This decision will be exempted from call in.

Reason Key: Financial Impact>£500K;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

If the decision has not been published in the List of Forthcoming Key Decisions for at least 28 clear days, the reason why it would be impracticable to delay the decision:: Any delay would mean that relief cannot be provided now to businesses that have been affected by Covid-19.

If exempt from Call-In, the reason why Call-In would prejudice the interests of the Council or the public:: Call-in would delay the granting of relief to businesses – this would be prejudicial to all businesses eligible for relief under the scheme.

Contact: Victoria Bradshaw, Chief Officer - Financial Services 0113 3788540 Email: Victoria.Bradshaw@leeds.gov.uk.

Publication date: 14/04/2020

Date of decision: 10/04/2020

Accompanying Documents: