A report by the Director of Finance advised Members that within its administrative duties of the collection of Non Domestic Rates, the Council must consider whether ratepayers sustain hardship by paying rates. Rates could be remitted in full or in part where hardship had been established. The Cabinet was requested to consider an application in line with the current policy and criteria.

RESOLVED:

That the applicant company be offered an option to reschedule the 2009-10 instalments beyond March 2010 and allow a deferment of the payment of the arrears to years 2011-12 (50% in each year) be allowed in order to give the company some breathing space in the discharge of this statutory business debt to help foster its recovery.