Decision details

To seek agreement to the Council’s proposed response to the government’s consultation on 100% Business Rates.

1.  That the commitment to greater devolution implicit in 100% business rates retention be welcomed, and that it be ensured that additional responsibilities are properly funded and are linked to local authorities’ role in driving sustainable economic growth.

2.  That the draft response to the consultation document ‘Self-Sufficient local government: 100% Business Rates Retention’ as set out in appendix 2 to the report of the Director of Finance and Business Improvement be agreed subject to the following amendments:

a.  That the first sentence of the draft response to Question 2 of the consultation be amended to read: ‘Expenditure from national agencies, where appropriate, should be channelled through local authorities, which are best placed to ensure that it is invested effectively to meet local needs.’

b.  That the draft response to Question 7 of the consultation be amended to read: ‘We are strongly in favour of rewarding sustainable growth.’