Decision details

Approval of the proposed design of a locally administered Business Rate Relief Scheme, which is intended to provide targeted support to businesses affected by the 2017 business rates revaluation. Each local authority must design and implement their own scheme.

The scheme will result in expenditure of up to £2.9m over 4 years, but will be fully funded by Government. This decision is key as the design of the scheme has a potential financial impact on businesses across the city.

Also formal approval of the two national business rate relief schemes announced by Government: support for small businesses losing Small Business Rate Relief and a £1,000 business rate discount for public houses with a rateable value of up to £100,000.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which sought approval to implement the proposed locally administered West Yorkshire discretionary discount scheme, which had been designed in liaison with the other West Yorkshire authorities. In addition, the report also sought approval to implement two national rate relief schemes, which had been introduced by Government.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed locally administered West Yorkshire business rate discount scheme, which is intended to provide targeted support to businesses affected by the 2017 business rates revaluation, be approved;

(b)  That approval be given to the use of any remaining government funds in order to support large businesses, to be considered on a case by case basis;

(c)  That formal approval be given to the implementation of the two national business rate relief schemes, as announced by Government, namely: support for small businesses losing Small Business Rate Relief and a £1,000 business rate discount for public houses with a rateable value of up to £100,000;

(d)  That following approval of the local and national schemes (as detailed in the resolutions above), the intention to implement the three schemes at the earliest opportunity be noted, together with the fact that reliefs awarded will be backdated to 1st April 2017;

(e)  That it be noted that implementation of the local and national schemes will be undertaken by the Business Rates Manager.

Consultation with Major Precepting Authorities is required by Government. Consultation with business representative organisations is also proposed and a consultation document will be provided.

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority; business representative organisations.