MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
RECORD OF DECISION OF THE Chief Executive
|
|
Decision Made: |
18 May 2020 |
Discretionary Grant Scheme
Decision Made
In response to the COVID19 the
Government introduced grant schemes to assist businesses to mitigate the loss
of income during the pandemic.
The decision to implement a Discretionary Grant Scheme in line with the
guidance issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
is aimed at providing financial support to small businesses and Charities that
were not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or Retail, Leisure and
Hospitality Grant Fund.
The attached document sets out the Councils policy for the delivery of the
Discretionary Grant Scheme, including:
Factors that should be considered when making a decision to award or refuse
relief; and
Appeals procedure for businesses dissatisfied with the Council’s decision.
The Powers to implement such a scheme are contained in Section 1 of the
Localism Act 2011.
Reasons for Decision
In response to the Covid 19
pandemic the Government has introduced a package of measures to financially
support businesses.
The Discretionary Grant Scheme is an important part of those measures and
provides a local discretion to support those businesses that have suffered a
significant reduction in income and fall outside of the scope of other support
measures.
Alternatives considered and why rejected
Whilst introduction of the
Scheme is at the discretion of the council and the council could decide not to
implement a scheme, this would be to the detriment to local businesses and
wider economy.
The cost of the scheme is funded by Government up to a cap of £1,380,000.
Details of the Committee from which the specific delegation is derived from
Part 3.2.1 which enables the Chief Executive to take any action necessary in connection with any civil emergency or disaster including response, recovery and business continuity as may be required.
The decision has been taken in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Chair of the Economic, Regeneration and Leisure Committee.