Decision details

(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report gave details of a discussion paper from HM Treasury seeking views on the business rates system.  It also provided information about the Council’s recent deputation to the Minister for Local Government regarding the impact of the loss of a significant business within the Borough.  Consideration was given to the delegation of authority to formulate a final response by the deadline of 12 June.

In addition to answering the detailed questions posed in the consultation paper, it was proposed to incorporate the impact of the Aylesford Newsprint situation as a principle in the response and the Director of Finance and Transformation offered to circulate copies to any Members interested.

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

(1)                                                    authority  be delegated to the Director of Finance and Transformation, in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property and the Leader (as the portfolio holder for Economic Regeneration) to formulate a final response on behalf of the Council by the deadline of 12 June;

(2)                                                    the views of the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of both the Finance, Innovation and Property and Economic Regeneration Advisory Boards be sought in drafting the response; and

(3)                                                    copies of the final response be circulated to the local Members of Parliament and the South East England Councils Network.