Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for a discretionary scheme for Covid Additional Restrictions Fund 2022 – Rate Relief Scheme, which will last until the end of September 2022, coming into force once approved.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the Covid Additional Restrictions Fund – Rate Relief Scheme as outlined in paragraphs 3.7 to 3.16 and Appendix 1 of the report pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)     To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services to implement the scheme as detailed in Appendix 1 and in accordance with the government’s guidance in Appendix 2 of the report.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help & Social Care) introduced a report outlining proposals for establishing a discretionary Covid Additional Restrictions Fund 2022 Rate Relief Scheme that would run until the end of September 2022.

In considering the report Cabinet noted that the scheme followed the Government’s announcement regarding establishment of a new Covid Additional Relief Fund on which additional guidance had now been received.  The fund had been established to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but who had be ineligible (to date) for support linked to business rates for which local authorities was required to establish a discretionary scheme in order to administer support.  In relation to the scheme criteria, members were advised that the businesses being targeted in Brent would include those not previously eligible for Covid related rate relief but still identified as being affected by the pandemic within the manufacturing sector (including factories, workshops, warehouses and food processing centres), information and communication sector (including recording and rehearsal studios) along with non retail stores and distribution depots.

In expressing their support for the scheme Cabinet highlighted its positive contribution in relation to the ongoing support being provided for local businesses as part of the recovery programme from the pandemic and therefore RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the Covid Additional Restrictions Fund – Rate Relief Scheme as outlined in paragraphs 3.7 to 3.16 and Appendix 1 of the report pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)     To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services to implement the scheme as detailed in Appendix 1 and in accordance with the government’s guidance in Appendix 2 of the report.