Decision
Analysis
outcome: The adoption of a single harmonised policy for hardship, exceptional circumstances, application requirements, evidence, decision-making, review, and appeals
summary: Harmonisation of discretionary Council Tax and Business Rates policies across East Surrey
topline: The council has decided to harmonise discretionary Council Tax and Business Rates policies across East Surrey
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves changes to existing policies that could impact stakeholders differently
affected_stakeholders: ["Residents", "Businesses", "Charities", "Local government"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: No explicit mention of political parties or influence on the decision
URL: https://mygov.elmbridge.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=641
Decision Maker:
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: RESOLVED that 1. in principle, discretionary Council Tax and Business Rates policies be harmonised across East Surrey from vesting day; 2. the adoption of a single harmonised Section 13A(1)(c) discretionary policy for East Surrey, applying a consistent framework for hardship, exceptional circumstances, application requirements, evidence, decision-making, review and appeals be endorsed; 3. the adoption of a single harmonised Section 47 discretionary Business Rates Relief policy for East Surrey, covering charitable and not-for-profit relief, community and economic benefit, hardship relief, local discounts, Government-funded schemes administered through Section 47 powers and subsidy control requirements, be endorsed; 4. it be noted that the workstream lead will develop and finalise the policy wording, implementation plan, operational guidance and undertake any necessary consultation, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer, ahead of formal future approval of the revised policies through the appropriate decision-making route; and 5. the harmonised policies be reviewed within twelve months of 1 April 2027, and thereafter at least every three years or sooner where legislative, financial or operational changes require review.
Date of Decision: July 20, 2026