Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the 100% retention of business rates prospectus recently issued by DCLG inviting local authorities to submit bids to become pilots for 2018/19 and the work currently being undertaken by Surrey Treasurers in preparing a submission.

(Revised recommendation tabled at the meeting)

The Committee authorised the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Acting Director of Finance and Resources and the Chairman of the Strategy and Resources Committee to agree or reject the terms of the proposed Surrey bid to become a pilot for 100% retention of business rates.

The Committee received and considered a report that provided an update on the 100% retention of business rates prospectus recently issued by the Department of Communities and Local Government and the work currently being undertaken by Surrey Treasurers in preparing a submission to operate a pilot scheme in 2018/19.

The Chairman informed members that he would be attending the Surrey Leaders’ meeting on 27 September were the bid proposal would be discussed at which he would be strongly arguing the case that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council would wish to see a fairer distribution of the pooled resources amongst Surrey authorities.

It was noted that following publication of the report, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services had recommended that the recommendation be changed to delegate the decision to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Acting Director of Finance and Resources and Councillor Kington (in his capacity as Chairman of Strategy & Resources Committee).  This was because, as an authority operating a committee system of governance, functions could not be delegated to individual councillors

Accordingly, the Committee authorised the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Acting Director of Finance and Resources and the Chairman of the Strategy and Resources Committee to agree or reject the terms of the proposed Surrey bid to become a pilot for 100% retention of business rates.