URL: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1495

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Liz Leyshon proposed the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Bill Revans.   Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Council Resolved to:- 1)    Approve that the Non-Domestic Rating Discretionary Rate Relief and Hardship policy is amended to prevent Private Schools from applying for assistance in anticipation of the changes to the Local Government Finance Act 1988. The recommended wording was to be found in Appendix D of the policy and stated: ‘The ratepayer must not fall within the definition of a Private School. For business rates purposes, ‘Private Schools’ were defined by HM Treasury as schools at which full time education was provided for pupils of compulsory school age where fees were payable.’ 2)    Delegate authority to the Council’s Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Monitoring Officer to make any additional amendments as necessary to ensure the wording aligned with that Act once such amendments came into force. 3)    Approve to reduce the relief percentage within the policy for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sector for 2025/26 from 75% to 40% as a result of changes to Central Government policy. 4)    Approve to end Local Newspaper Relief in line with Central Government policy.

Date of Decision: December 18, 2024