Decision details

(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report referred to the commitment made by the Government before the 2015 General Election to introduce a 100% Business Rates Retention Scheme.  Details were given of an invitation by the Department for Communities and Local Government for authorities to submit bids by 27 October to participate in 100% business rates retention pilots in 2018/19.  It was noted that any bid would need to be made in conjunction with other Kent authorities and delegated authority was sought to progress the matter as appropriate.

The Cabinet resolved that:

Delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Transformation, in liaison with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property, to determine:

(1)             whether the Council should join other Kent authorities in a bid for pilot status under the 100% Business Rates Retention Prospectus; and

(2)             if a bid is submitted from Kent as a whole, the detailed objectives and parameters of the bid.