Purpose

To receive and consider the report in relation to very
recent changes by the Government to the scheme.

Decision

RESOLVED that

1.   
the 2026-2027 discretionary rate relief policy
for East Hampshire Public Houses and Live Music Venues relief
scheme for the financial year 2026/2027 as required. (Appendix A)
be agreed;

2.   
it be noted that the Chief Financial Officer
(CFO) has under delegated powers of Section 223 Local Government
act to award, revise or revoke any discretionary relief, and the
Chief Finance Officer must update in 2026-2027 the following rate
relief policies.
a.
      An updated
Transitional Relief Scheme;
b.       An
updated Small Business Support scheme; and
c.       the
introduction of an Electric Vehicle Charge Point scheme. A 10-year
100% business rates relief scheme for electric vehicle (EV)
charging points and EV only forecourts
be agreed.
 
Reasons for the decision
 
The Discretionary Business Rate
Relief Policy needs to be updated for 2026/27 due to changes
announced by the Government during 2025.
 
Alternative Options Considered
 
No other option was recommended as failure to
comply would result in financial penalties and could impact the
delivery of local services.