Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Council:

a)      Endorsed the urgent decision, made by the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and the Finance & Legal Services Portfolio Holder, that the Council participates in the pooling arrangement with other Somerset authorities (Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, West Somerset Council) under the 50% Business Rates Retention scheme for 2018/19.

b)      Endorsed the urgent decision to apply to Government for the Somerset Business Rates Pool comprising the county and five districts to become a pilot area for 100% Business Rates Retention in 2018/19 financial year.

c)      Approved delegated authority to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services, to decide whether to remain in the Pool, if approved by Government, the 100% BRR Pilot scheme when the Government’s Provisional Settlement details are announced in December 2017.

Reason:

To advise Council of an urgent decision made by the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Finance and Legal Services Portfolio Holder, in relation to a submission to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to become a pilot for the 100% Business Rates Retention in 2018/19.