Business rates discretionary relief policy consultation

Purpose of consultation

The purpose of this consultation is to seek to identify any further improvements which might be made to the draft Business Rates Policy for Discretionary Rates Relief  before its adoption by Council in November 2018.

Background to consultation

In addition, representations by individual organisations were made directly to Council at various meetings.

You said:

• 76% agreed that the proposed rate relief to support business growth in the Dales is a good idea.
• 62% agreed that the Council should support access to free-to-use cash machines through inclusion in its criteria for Rural Rate Relief.
• Any future changes to discretionary relief should not excessively affect smaller organisations such as village halls, community venues, churches and small groups.

We did:

• A sum of money has been identified which can be redirected to support business growth.
• The Council will support free-to-use cash machines via Rural Rate Relief
• Smaller organisations such as village halls, community venues, scout / guide groups, WI, playgroups, churches etc will not be affected.
• Eligible organisations have been identified and transferred to 100% Small Business Rate Relief where appropriate.

This consultation

• Runs from Tuesday 2 October to Sunday 28 October 2018
• Is a technical consultation to identify minor improvements to the draft policy
• Is aimed at stakeholders (particularly Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service)
• Is not to reopen discussion on options already concluded
• Results will be reported openly and considered fully at a Council meeting
• Is not a referendum on the popularity of the draft policy

The consultation has now closed.