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Consideration was given to proposals to update
the Borough Council’s policies regarding the administration
of council tax and business rate discounts/reliefs and the recovery
of unpaid debts.
 
First of all, the
Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy was updated to reflect
the exceptions to the premium charges as introduced by the Council
Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments)
(England) Regulations 2024.
 
Secondly, in accordance with the 2024 Autumn
Statement announced by the Government, the Discretionary
Non-Domestic Rate Relief Policy was updated to reflect the changes
in respect of Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief,
and also the changes in respect of
private schools which from April 2025 were no longer entitled to
charitable relief.
 
Finally, a review of the existing Corporate
Debt Recovery Policy had been undertaken as recommended by the
Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee and
identified no amendments required.
 
Cllr M Boughton proposed, seconded by Cllr K
Tanner and Cabinet
 
RESOLVED: 
That
 

(1)         
the Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy for the 2025/26
financial year be amended as set out in Annex 1, with effect from 1
April 2025;
 

(2)         
the Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Policy for the 2025/26
financial year be amended as set out in Annex 2, with effect from 1
April 2025; and
 

(3)         
it be noted that the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy had been
reviewed with no amendment required.