Decision details

1.1       That the following recommendations for the financial year 2018/19 be approved:

(i)         That the estimated numbers of properties for each Valuation Band as set out in this report be approved.

(ii)        That an estimated Collection rate of 97.5% be approved.

(iii)       That the Council Tax Base of 77,856 Band "D" equivalent properties be approved

(iv)       To delegate authority to the Strategic Finance Director in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to determine the business rates tax base for 2018/19.

(v)        To agree that the Council  charge a 100% council tax premium on empty properties equating to 200% of the council tax payable. When regulations allow

1.2       In relation to the London Business Rates Pooling Pilot the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham resolves to:

(i)         Approve and accept the designation by the Secretary of State as an authority within the London Business Rates Pilot Pool pursuant to 34(7)(1) of Schedule 7B Local Government Finance Act 1988.

(ii)        Participate in the London Business Rates Pilot Pool with effect from 1 April 2018.

(iii)       Delegate the authority's administrative functions as a billing authority in relation to the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, to the City of London Corporation acting as the Lead Authority.

(iv)       Authorise the Lead Authority to sub-contract certain ancillary administrative functions regarding the financial transactions within the Pool to the GLA as it considers expedient.

(v)        Delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer, to agree the operational details of the pooling arrangements with the participating authorities.

(vi)       Authorise the Chief Finance Officer to make any amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding, attached at Appendix 1, as may be required by the Secretary of State, and to enter into the final Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the authority.

(vii)      Authorise the Cabinet member for Finance to represent the authority in relation to consultations regarding the London Business Rates Pilot Pool consultative as may be undertaken by the Lead Authority pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding.