Decision details

Alignment to Corporate Strategy.

Approve the proposed amendments to the existing Discretionary Rate Relief (DRR) Policy for the continuation of relief into 2019 and 2020 to be applied retrospectively and applicable from 1 April 2019. By this policy the Council awards discretionary business rates relief to help support charities/not for profit organisations working in the city’s various communities.
The key points are:
a)Policy intent, and criteria for assessment, has been retained
b)Existing awards are unchanged by the amendments
c)Reflect the current Corporate Strategy
d)Remove redundant/out of date references (including responsible directorate, previous Mayor’s vision)
e)Incorporate new website links
f)Remove duplication of some text in the policy statement and the application form
Business rates are charged on commercial properties to help pay towards services provided by Bristol City Council. Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 gives Local Authorities the option to top up mandatory relief (to charities) of 80% by a further 20% in DRR, or up to 100% DRR to not-for-profit organisations. Bristol City Council maintains a DRR policy as part of a package of support available to voluntary and community organisations.

Option 1 -
Option 2 -
Option 3 -