Decision details

To review and approve the continuation of the London Living Wage discretionary discount business rates scheme.

(i)         that the discretionary discount scheme for businesses accredited to the London Living Wage Foundation be continued to 31 March 2019 on the basis that the Business Rates discount will continue to be five times the cost of accreditation and will be awarded to businesses in Brent which become accredited with the Living Wage Foundation and who meet the criteria detailed in Appendix 1 to the report from the Strategic Director, Resources;

(ii)        that it be noted that the approval and continuation of this scheme are pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and that the Cabinet is satisfied that that this proposal is reasonable having regard to the interests of those persons who are liable to pay council tax in the borough of Brent;

(iii)       that it be noted that officers in Employment, Skills and Enterprise and Customer Services monitor the scheme in terms of take up and costs and would report back to Cabinet at a later date should any changes to the scheme be required;

(iv)       that applications for such discounts in National Non-Domestic Rates that meet the criteria as set out in Appendix 1 be considered and approved jointly by the Head of Employment, Skills and Enterprise and the Operational Director Customer Services.