Further to the Cabinet meeting held on 22 July 2010 a report by the Director of Finance had requested a review of the Discretionary Rate Relief policy (Minute No 97 refers). Due to legislative requirements, any changes in Council policy would only take effect from 1 April 2012 for existing recipients of discretionary rate relief.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the Discretionary Rate Relief budget for 2010-11 be increased by £190,000 to meet the current demand;

(2)  the award of top up Discretionary Rate Relief to voluntary and aided schools, foundation, and trust schools be met from the Schools Budget from 2011-12, subject to the agreement of the Schools Forum on 25 January 2011;

(3)  all future discretionary rate relief applications in respect of properties with a rateable value of less than £18,000 be accompanied by a Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) application to encourage SBRR take up and then to continue to reduce the reliance on the Discretionary Rate Relief budget; and

(4)  with effect from 1 April 2012, Community Interest Companies and social welfare organisations that occupy properties with rateable values under £18,000 (in line with the SBRR limits) be entitled to full discretionary rate relief and those occupying properties of £18,000 or more be considered by Members on a case by case basis.