Discretionary Business Rate Relief Policy

The following principles apply when considering LBRRD applications:

• The Council will consider the cost of funding the LBRRD and the burden this places on its finances.
• The LBRRD will support opportunities for new business growth, expansion, employment and the safeguarding of jobs within the Borough and the effect this will have on competing local businesses.
• If it is reasonable to offer a LBRRD having taken into account the interests of the Council tax payers as a whole.
• Any LBRRD award will be at the absolute discretion of the billing authority. The LBRRD may be awarded to any property or business of the Council's choosing, at any level between 0% and 100%. For example, 20% or 100% or for companies who are relocating within the Borough, the discount awarded may equal the difference between the old premises business rates payable and the new premises business rates payable.
• Claims for LBRRD cannot be backdated.
• The Council reserves the right to withdraw the LBRRD scheme at any time vii. Whether the award of a LBRRD may constitute State Aid. The 'de minimis' threshold for State Aid granted to any undertaking of any size must not exceed €200,000 over any rolling period of three fiscal years from any source. The onus is on the applicant to provide sufficient evidence to the billing authority to confirm that the 'de minimis' threshold is not and will not be breached. Applications which may constitute state aid will not be considered.