Decision details

The Director, Finance and Digital Services provided Members with details of a proposed new Business Rate Reduction Scheme, which would provide town centre and retail businesses with help towards their business rates liability during the financial year 2020/21.

The Director spoke of the Welsh Government (WG) High Street and Retail Rates Relief Scheme (HSRR) for 2019/20, which increased the level of relief available to qualifying businesses to £2,500 (subject to state aid limits) for all occupied retail properties with a rateable value of £50,000 or less. In order to support the town centre and retail businesses further for 2020/21, the officer proposed that a further local discretionary relief be provided in addition to the WG HSRR of up to a maximum of £300 per qualifying business. 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services welcomed the proposal, commenting that the additional support would help small businesses thrive and maintain vibrant town centres.

The Leader praised the proposal and stated that Rhondda Cynon Taf would be the only Local Authority in Wales to provide the additional support for small businesses. The Leader hoped that Welsh Government would continue the level of relief available in their future budget.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    That a consultation exercise be undertaken on the proposed scheme;  and

2.    To receive a further report outlining the results of the consultation exercise in order to determine whether and if so how to proceed with the scheme.