URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1384

Decision Maker: Policy and Finance

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report seeking Committee approval of the updated Revenues Discretionary Discount/Relief policy.   Local Authorities had the power to grant discretionary awards to offset council tax and business rates liabilities, on the basis that qualifying criteria, both national and local, were met.   The revised policy did not make any significant changes to the existing policy other than incorporating the business rates measures announced by the government in the Autum Statement on 26 November 2025, namely:   ·       Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief would cease on 31 March 2026. Going forward, businesses that qualified for the relief would generally benefit from the new lower RHL multiplier, which in 2026/2027 will be 5p lower than the standard multiplier. Where rate increases were substantial there will also be transitional relief.   ·       The Supporting Small Business Scheme had been updated to include changes arising from the 2026 business rates revaluation.   ·       The Support for Local Newspapers Scheme ended on 31 March 2025 and so was no longer referred to within the policy.   The full revised Revenues Discretionary Discount/Relief Policy was included with tracked changes for Committee’s consideration.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   Approved the Revenues Discretionary Discount/Relief Policy for 2026/27 at appendix 1 of the report.  

Date of Decision: January 20, 2026