This report requests the approval of a new Discretionary Rate Relief Charter that will facilitate a revised “Policy for Awarding Discretionary Rate Relief” that will be implemented in April 2015.

The Chief Financial Officer presented a report seeking approval of a new Discretionary Rate Relief Charter that would facilitate a revised “Policy for Awarding Discretionary Rate Relief” to be implemented in April 2015.

Discretions had been reviewed for fairness and financial considerations. Costs are shared with the Government. The policy would be intended to be an incentive to business and to set out how to meet decisions regarding discretionary relief.

In response to a question regarding the definition of a charity, the Chief Financial Officer confirmed that regulations provide for all registered charities to benefit from mandatory relief and this included housing associations. In Herefordshire, this included organisations delivering strongly on priorities contributing to social care and housing.

RESOLVED THAT:

the Discretionary Rate Relief Charter be approved so that a revised “Policy for Awarding Discretionary Rate Relief” can be introduced in April 2015.