Decision details

The Director of Finance & Digital Services reminded Members of the Welsh Government financial support package for businesses which was developed due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The Director advised that the package included a new temporary business rates relief scheme for the financial year 1^st April 2020 – 31^st March 2021.  He continued by advising that the scheme, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief scheme, provided a business rate “holiday” for all qualifying businesses for the whole period and was fully funded by WG. During 2020/21, around 1,300 businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf had benefitted from £16M of rate relief through the scheme.  Members were informed that an extension of this rate relief had been announced by Welsh Government and details of the extension were provided for Members consideration.

The Leader welcomed the rate relief extension which he added would provide further much needed financial support and certainty for local businesses to meet their 2021/22 rate liability and would supplement the Council’s wider commitment to maintain vibrant town centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the details of the RLH (Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief) Scheme and formally adopt the scheme for the year 2021/22.

(N.B The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communications advised Members that the item would be exempt from call in due to the need for Non Domestic Rate demands to be dispatched in line with requirements.)