Agenda item

To consider the applications for discretionary rate relief listed at Appendix 2 to the report

Summary

Consideration was given to approving Discretionary Rate Relief Applications from a variety of organisations within the District for 2014/15.

Decision

(1)       Discretionary Rate Relief be awarded to charitable and other non-for-profit organisations listed in Appendix 2 of the report for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015, namely:-

In the case of:-

·         Kings Church (ref: 52589412 and 53028864) – A lesser amount of relief was awarded to reflect the services provided to the residents of South Lakeland but noting that other services were provided across a wider area outside of the District.

·         Cumbria Cricket Board (ref:52556433 and 53027930) – A lesser amount of relief was awarded to reflect a re-alignment of the Council Plan (2014-19).

·         Westmorland County Football Association Ltd (ref:53012119) – A lesser amount of relief was awarded to reflect a re-alignment of the Council Plan (2014-19).

·         Kendal Brewery Arts Centre Trust Ltd (ref:50063041, 51360031 and 53024869) – A lesser amount of relief was awarded to reflect that the organisation is in competition with other businesses in the District but services are provided that assist the Council in achieving it Council Plan priorities and targets.

(2)       Discretionary Rate Relief be refused for Boxes of Hope (ref:53047907), Action for Children (ref:53046935), Kendal Arts International Limited (ref:53034481) and Down Syndrome Education International (ref:53045556) as they do not meet the criteria as set out in Appendix 1 of the report as they are not deemed to provide exceptional services and they do not provide sufficient benefits to the residents of South Lakeland in comparison to the costs of awarding relief.

(3)       Consideration of granting Discretionary Rate Relief for Cumbria Deaf Association (ref:52508315) be deferred until further information regarding the association’s benefit to the local community can be provided.

(4)       20% Discretionary Rate Relief is awarded to the Trustees of Kendal Lions Club (ref:53052757) but it be noted that the club is under occupying its current premises and determination of future applications may take this into consideration.

Reason for Decision

The awards are in line with new policies agreed by Cabinet on 28 January 2014 (CEX/123 (2013/14) refers).

The award of Discretionary Rate Relief assists in achieving Council Plan priorities and targets.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

That all applications could be refused, but this was not recommended as the decisions were in line with Council policy and priorities.