Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance [s151 Officer] is attached.

Contact: James Walton      Tel: 01743 258915

Councillor R Evans left the chamber during consideration of this item.

It was proposed by Councillor D Minnery and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nuttingthat the report and appendices of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance on the Review of Non Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief and Council Tax Discretionary Discounts, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor D Minnery, commented that, prior to the establishment of the Unitary Council in 2009, each Borough and District Council had individual schemes which had been inherited and continued by the Unitary Council.  It had been recognised that to ensure future sustainability of village halls and community sports clubs it was necessary to develop a common policy for the whole County.

In response to Members concerns regarding individual organisations and the possibility of unintended consequences, the Portfolio Holder for Finance requested that Members provide him with details outside of the meeting to facilitate further investigation and clarification.

RESOLVED:

i)     That the Discretionary Relief Policy set out in Appendix A of the report be approved.

ii)    That Council Policy for Discretionary Business Rates and Council Tax reductions be reviewed every three years.