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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0106 2013/14

Executive Portfolio:
Finance and Corporate Services
Decision Number:
0106 2013/14
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Business Rates: New Build Empty Property Relief
Summary of Decision:
To apply empty property relief in respect of newly built commercial properties in accordance with DCLG guidelines.
Proposed Decision:
To exempt all newly built commercial properties completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 from empty properties rates for the first 18 months, subject to state aid limits. This relief will be awarded using discretionary rate relief powers in accordance with section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. This arrangement will be subject to the Government reimbursing the cost of awarding such relief. The day to day application of this policy will be delegated to officers within the Business Rate Section.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
The Government has announced plans to exempt newly built commercial properties between 1 Oct 2013 and 30 Sept 2016 from empty property rates for the first 18 months, up to state aid limits. Local Authorities have been asked to use their discretionary powers to offer relief, the cost of which will be reimbursed by Government.
Reason for Decision:
The Government, as part of a targeted stimulus package to the construction industry, intends to exempt all newly built commercial properties completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 from empty property rates for the first 18 months, up to the state aids limits. As this is a temporary measure, the Government has decided not to amend legislation but will instead reimburse local authorities who provide relief, in defined circumstances, using their discretionary powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. The Department for Communities and Local Government has issued guidance in respect of these arrangements. By complying with this guidance and state aid limits, the Government will fully reimburse the local authority for its local share of the discretionary relief.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
There is a small financial risks associated with the proposal if relief was applied incorrectly and the Government chose not to fund the Council’s share of the relief.
Measures to Redress Risk:
Quality Assurance checks to be undertaken to ensure that all relief is awarded in accordance with guidelines.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
None
Attachments:
Please Contact Gordon Lee - Ext 5230 for more details.