(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report gave details of new and renewal applications for discretionary rate relief which were considered in accordance with the previously agreed criteria for determining such applications.

Reference was made to the agreed practice of advising organisations that there could be a reduction in the level of relief awarded in the future and to the requirement for organisations to reapply every two years with the exception of scout/guides groups which were regarded as “de minimis” in terms of the level of relief awarded.

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

(1)                 in respect of the re-application from Carers First, 146A High Street, Tonbridge – 20% discretionary rate relief be awarded for the period when the office was in use (1 April to 18 June 2019);

(2)                 the new applications for discretionary rate relief be determined as follows:

Empathy Action, Unit 5a and 5b Cannon Bridge Works, Cannon Lane, Tonbridge – no discretionary rate relief be awarded; and

Hospice of Hope Romania Ltd, Unit 6 The Granary, Goblands Farm, Court Lane, Hadlow – no discretionary rate relief be awarded.