Charities' business rates consult
Published
Wednesday 9 October, 2024
Updated
Wednesday 9 October, 2024
Have your say on how Swale Borough Council offer discounted business rates to charities and other organisations.
The draft Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Rate Review policy outlines the reasons the council would give an organisation or business rate relief and how the discount is calculated.
The reasons for the council to grant a rate relief includes:
- the property is used by a registered charity, or a charitable organisation for charitable purposes
- they are a not-for-profit whose main objectives are philanthropic, religious or promote education, social welfare, science, literature or fine arts
- the property is used for recreational purposes and all or part is occupied for the purposes of a club or society
- the property is within a Rural Settlement List for the chargeable financial year and the rateable value does not exceed the amount prescribed by the Secretary of State
- the property is used for the benefit of the community, and it would be reasonable for the council to offer a rate relief
The council is given the discretion to award rate relief to businesses under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (amended under Section 69 of the Localism Act 2011).
Cllr Tim Gibson, chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, said:
“We value and appreciate all the hardworking charities and other organisations who do good within swale and offer vital support to our residents in need.
“One way in which we can assist them is by offering a reduction in their business rates, within the government’s framework, reducing the cost of running their initiatives.
“This policy is what dictates how we do this, so please take a few minutes to read it over and give us your feedback.”
Local residents, businesses, charities and stakeholders are being urged to have their say by Wednesday 30 October.
Please read the draft policy and give your feedback here: is swale.gov.uk/ndr-policy.
