Discretionary Rate Relief - Application 1
For decision.
Decision:
RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:
That the Cancerwise request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be approved for period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2019.
Alternative options considered and rejected:
That the Cancerwise request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be refused for period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2019.
Minutes:
Mr Jobson explained that Cancerwise is a local charity which supports the local community by providing therapies, a drop-in centre, rehabilitation and support to those who have completed their NHS treatment. He outlined the rateable value for the unit they occupy and explained that as the charity’s only property, should be exempt from business rates, but as a registered charity are not entitled to receive small business rate relief and in place of this, are awarded 80% mandatory charitable relief. They are therefore liable for 20% business rates where most other occupiers would receive 100% small business rate relief. Policy guidelines dictate that those in receipt of 80% mandatory rate relief will not receive further relief except in exceptional circumstance.
The Panel considered that this situation amounted to exceptional circumstance and agreed an award requested.
RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:
That the Cancerwise request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be approved for period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2019.
Alternative options considered and rejected:
That the Cancerwise request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be refused for period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2019.