Comment on the Draft Discretionary Rate Relief Policy

This consultation will close on 03 November.

We are seeking views from stakeholders and residents on the Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Rate Review policy. Under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (amended under Section 69 of the Localism Act 2011) Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is given the discretion to award rate relief to businesses in the following circumstances:

• the customer is a registered charity, or a charitable organisation and the property is used for charitable purposes;
• the organisation is not established or conducted for profit and the main objects are philanthropic, religious or concerned with 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, society or an organisation not established or conducted for profit.
• 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; and
• the property is used for the benefit of the community, and it would be reasonable for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to make a decision having taken the considerations of persons liable to pay Council Tax.

The Discretionary Rate Relief policy has been reviewed by Members to ensure it is meeting the needs of the borough and local residents and businesses. We are therefore consulting on the policy so that local residents, businesses, charities and stakeholders can comment on the policy.

How to get involved

Click here to read the draft policy. (Opens in a new window.)

Then submit your feedback on the draft policy here. (Opens in a new window.)

If you would like to request the consultation or policy in an alternative format, or have queries about the consultation, please contact: businessrates@midkent.gov.uk

What happens next?

This consultation closes on 03 November 2024. After it has closed, we will carefully consider all the responses to help us make a decision.

A final decision on the proposed policy will be made by Cabinet in November when they have considered the responses.