(1) That the proposed use of the proposed COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) scheme be approved as detailed in the report in line with the government guidance and available funding.

(2) That the final allocation of the funding support to businesses be delegated to the Director of Finance and Systems, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Governance.

The Government announced on 25 March 2021 a new COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) of £1.5 billion to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates. This is available to reduce chargeable amounts in respect of 2021/22 and must be directed towards ratepayers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact. As the measures are temporary there will be no change in legislation and therefore local authorities will be expected to use their discretionary relief powers to deliver the scheme. Trafford’s allocation is £6.4m.

The Council could in effect not access the government funding available on behalf of eligible businesses. This would mean that the Council would not award the CARF relief and subsequently local businesses would pay more business rates.