Decision details

To approve the Council’s Business Rates Retention amount for 2022-23.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the approach and assumptions for the calculation of the Council’s business rates yield as set out in the officer report, be noted;

(2)            in accordance with the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, the amount calculated by the London Borough of Harrow as its business rates yield for the year 2021-2022 be £12.881m as shown in the table below:

(3)            the Council's Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer), following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to submit the notification of the calculation of the estimated Non-Domestic Rates income to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority (GLA) by 31 January 2022 or other date as may be prescribed;

(4)            the Council's Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer), following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to submit revised figures (from those above) to the Secretary of State and GLA, if further clarification is received from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) on the financial impact of the proposed changes to the authority and how this is to be calculated;

(5)            the Council's Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer), following, consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to implement the announced Autumn Budget business rates measures, namely a new retail relief for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties and a Transitional Relief (TR) scheme for small and medium businesses, and an extension to the Supporting Small Business (SSB) scheme for the financial year 2022/23, once the detail is known (this will also involve the Director of Finance exercising discretion under s47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, (as amended) in order to introduce / operate the scheme.)

Reason for Decision:  To fulfil the Council’s statutory obligation to provide estimates and calculations in relation to NDR for 2022-2023.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.