Issue - decisions

(i)         that the scheme awarding up to £1,000 discount in business rates in 2014/15 and 2015/16 to occupied retail shops with a rateable value of £50,000 or less as detailed in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.5 of this report pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 be approved;

(ii)        that the scheme awarding 50% relief in business rates for 18 months to businesses who move into and occupy retail premises between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2016 that have been empty for a year or more as detailed in paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 of this report and which satisfy the criteria to be confirmed in guidance to be issued by the DCLG be agreed pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988;

(iii)       that the scheme to exempt newly built commercial properties completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 from empty property rates for up to 18 months as detailed in paragraphs 3.12 and 3.13 of this report and which satisfy the criteria confirmed in guidance issued by the DCLG in September 2013 be agreed pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988;

(iv)       that the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to implement the schemes referred to in paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of this report so that the agreed discretionary discounts and reliefs in business rates can be awarded in compliance with the criteria set out by the Department for Communities and Local Government.