Purpose

This report sets out how Camden proposes to use its
discretionary relief powers (under section 47 of the Local
Government Finance Act 1988 as amended) to extend the Retail
Hospitality and Leisure Relief scheme business rates discount
announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement on 22 November
2023 within the relevant eligibility criteria set out by Central
Government.
 
It also sets out that the 100% relief for eligible low-carbon
heat networks for the 24/25 financial year is now a mandatory
exemption for eligible businesses which is why Camden no longer has
to use implement it locally under discretionary powers.
 
 

Content

 
THAT the Executive Director Corporate Services, in consultation
with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living and having
due regard to the Council’s duties under the Equality Act
2010 agrees:
1.       To relief
being applied to eligible businesses, based on the
eligibility criteria set out in section 2, for the extended Retail,
Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief scheme in place for the
2024/25 financial year.
2.       That
eligible businesses for scheme during the period 1 April 2024 to 31
March 2025, as set out in part 2 of the national scheme guidance,
receive relief of up to 75% of the business rates charge up to a
cash cap of £110,000 per business entity across all their
hereditaments in England which includes qualifying connections such
as holding companies and subsidiaries, trading arms,
etc.
3.       No
ratepayer, under any circumstances, can exceed the cash cap across
all their hereditaments in England. Where relief is
automatically awarded to those in receipt of 75% relief during
2023/24, we expect ratepayers to self-assess they remain eligible
both in terms of the national cash cap and any subsidy limitations
and relief will be removed at any point, should Camden identify
they are in receipt of relief they are not entitled to under the
national scheme guidance. Where we believe the ratepayer is
likely to breach the cash cap or subsidy limits nationally, we hold
the right to withhold relief until suitable evidence is
provided regarding meeting eligibility criteria including
confirmation of relief claimed elsewhere in England.
4.       To
acknowledge that, as per section 3 of this report, this year we are
not required to implement the relief for eligible low-carbon heat
networks for the 24/25 financial year as it will be a mandatory
exemption for eligible businesses via Regulations due to come into
force on 1st April 2024.