The Chief Officer, Finance, Performance and Change presented a report seeking approval from Cabinet to adopt the Welsh Government’s Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme 2023-24She explained that Welsh Government had announced the temporary extension of the Rates Relief Scheme for 2023-2024, which would support eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 75% on their non-domestic rates bills for properties which fell within the retail, leisure and hospitality sector. The scheme would apply to all eligible businesses, however, the relief would be capped subject to a cap on the amount each business could claim across Wales. Details regarding the premises that were eligible for this scheme were shown in Appendix A to the report.

The Chief Officer, Finance, Performance and Change explained that it was estimated that there would be in the region of 940 eligible businesses across the borough that could potentially benefit from having to pay only 25% of their non-domestic rates under this new scheme during the coming year. No business would automatically receive this relief, so they would advertise the relief via the website and social media platforms and if Cabinet agreed the adoption of the scheme, the updated forms would be put on the Council's website so that businesses could apply from the 1st of April. She added that the Town Centre Manager would also be bringing this scheme to the attention of businesses in Bridgend.

The Cabinet Member for Resources thanked Welsh Government for supporting the leisure and hospitality industry and he encouraged Members to mention the scheme when visiting local pubs and restaurants. 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet adopted the Welsh Government’s Non-Domestic Rates Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme for 2023-24 as detailed within Appendix A of the report.