Decision details

The Government has announced a series of measures to support businesses through the impact of the Covid-19 emergency. The existing Retail Discount and Pub Relief schemes have been further expanded, and a new “Nursery Discount” has been introduced.

On 25^th March 2020, a further change was announced that allowed Estate Agents, Employment Agencies, Letting Agents and Betting shops to fall to be entitled to the Expanded Retail Discount scheme

Legislative changes are not being made to accommodate the discounts. Instead, the Government expects that local authorities deliver the discounts via discretionary powers which already exist, and so changes are required to the Council’s discretionary business rates relief policy to facilitate the administration of these reliefs.

To adopt the updated version of the Discretionary Business Rate Relief Policy, shown in Appendix A.

The adoption of a formal policy ensures that billing and collection is carried out in accordance with the law and government requirements. It will benefit and support businesses who meet the criteria, whilst minimising the risk of legal challenge.

None.