Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Interim Financial Services Manager, which sought approval of a draft Discretionary Retail Discount Scheme, designed in line with MHCLG guidance and financed by Government grant, to provide financial support to occupied ‘retail’ businesses for a two year period from April 2019, in recognition of changing consumer behaviour in the high street.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Option 1 – Agree to the proposal as recommended

This policy sets out a formal approach to distributing this new discretionary retail relief, providing guidance for officers and a consistent platform in dealing with applications.  The approach adopted seeks to maximise use of the grant in an open and equitable way, drawing on Government guidance, and therefore risks associated with any challenge are considered small and manageable.

Option 2 – Suggest amendments to the proposed policy

Any such amendments would need to have regard to statutory requirements, and therefore should this option be chosen, extra time will be needed to consider the full implications prior to the re-consideration of an amended policy.  There is some reputational risk associated with further delay as the Government are keen for billing authorities to have their scheme up and running in time for annual billing.

Option 3 – Do nothing and refuse all applications.

A blanket policy of refusal leaves the Council vulnerable to an appeal to the Local Government Ombudsman, which could result in a charge of maladministration.

The officer preferred option is that Option1 be approved.  The policy enables a formal approach to decision making, with criteria in line with Government guidance, benefiting small to medium retail businesses on the high street.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Pattison:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)  That the Discretionary Retail discount Scheme as set out at Appendix A to the report (and as per option 1 in the report) be approved, effective from April 2019.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Interim Financial Services Manager

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council Plan ambition of a thriving and prosperous economy, creating strong conditions for growth so that businesses thrive and jobs are created.  The proposals are considered to be a fair and reasonable way to distribute available funds, drawing on Government guidance.