Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance and Assets (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s approval to write off the irrecoverable Business Rates as detailed within the report.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves to write off the irrecoverable Business Rates as detailed in Table 1 of the report, and

(b)       that Council writes to the Welsh Government to express its concerns in terms of practices adopted by particular companies to circumvent paying creditors and requests it looks into the legislative requirements to close those loopholes.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill introduced Mr. Rod Urquhart, newly appointed Head of Revenues and Benefits (HRB).  He presented a confidential report seeking Cabinet’s approval to write off the irrecoverable Business Rates for a number of companies where recovery action could not continue because they had either been wound up or dissolved.  A detailed history relating to each company had been included within the report.

Cabinet discussed the circumstances relating to the companies concerned with the HRB and expressed concerns regarding practices used by particular companies to avoid paying creditors.  The HRB elaborated upon the legalities and recovery action undertaken and highlighted recent changes to act earlier in the recovery process if necessary.

Councillor Meirick Davies referred to a recent Ombudsman’s report regarding overpayment of business rates.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that such matters were reported to the Corporate Governance Committee and he agreed to look into the specific case referred to by Councillor Davies.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves to write off the irrecoverable Business Rates as detailed in Table 1 of the report, and

(b)       that Council writes to the Welsh Government to express its concerns in terms of practices adopted by particular companies to circumvent paying creditors and requests it looks into the legislative requirements to close those loopholes.