Agenda item

The Executive RESOLVED that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services after consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder to approve the Business Rates COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund policy, scheme rules and authorise the award of the relief.

The Executive was informed that Government had introduced a number of new measures to support business as a result of the ongoing pandemic. This follows the significant support provided through business grants and rate reliefs in 2020 and 2021.

The COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) had been announced in March 2021, but details had been delayed until December 2021 due to the legislative process. Government guidance had been received on 30 December 2021 for COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) scheme rules. Approval was sought for the authority to be delegated to agree a discretionary local scheme that would been drawn up based on the emerging Government guidelines.

RESOLVED that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services after consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder to approve the Business Rates COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund policy, scheme rules and authorise the award of the relief.