BCP Council is required to operate a single discretionary rate relief policy. The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole (Structural Changes) Order 2018 stipulates that such a policy must be in place and operational from 1 April 2021 at the latest. The proposed Policy has been developed having regard to the legislation, existing schemes and government guidance.
The earliest this Policy can now be implemented, due to the requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to give a full financial year’s notice of any potential change, is 1 April 2021.
The three existing schemes that currently operate within the BCP area have not altered for many years and do not reflect the current business rates landscape.
The existing Discretionary Business Relief Rates Policies can be viewed below:
The proposed policy looks to target support for those organisations which make a maximum contribution towards the community. It is anticipated that the majority of existing recipients would continue to receive discretionary rate relief. However, it is recognised that some existing recipients may no longer qualify for support from 1 April 2021 or have the level of award reduced.
Have your say on the Draft Discretionary Business Relief Rates Policy
Your views are important to us and we want to hear from all those who live, work or visit the BCP area who could be affected by the proposed Discretionary Business Relief Rates Policy.
Please read the consultation Information Document and proposed draft Policy before responding to the survey.
The deadline for responses is midnight on the 23rd October 2020.
If you have any questions about the consultation or need the documents in a different format, please email Mark.chadbourne@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.