Decision details

(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report gave details of new applications for discretionary rural rate relief which were considered in accordance with the previously agreed criteria for determining such applications.  Reference was made to the Government’s expectation that the current award of 50% mandatory relief would be “topped up” to 100% pending the update of primary legislation.

Consideration was also given to a revised Discretionary Relief Policy which aimed to improve understanding for applicants and transparency for decisions taken whilst aligning with Gravesham Borough Council’s policies for the future shared service.

Following consideration by the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property resolved that:

(1)                 the applications for discretionary rural rate relief be awarded as set out at Annex 2 to the report with effect from 1 April 2017 in respect of The Bell Inn, Golden Green and 18 April 2017 in respect of Bourne Produce, East Peckham, and time limited to 31 March 2018; and

(2)                 the new Discretionary Relief Policy 2018/19 set out at Annex 4 to the report be adopted from 1 April 2018 subject to deletion of the words “up to” from the headings on the first page.