To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Governance.

The Executive Member for Finance and Governance submitted a report which advised that the Government had 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 were ineligible for existing support linked to business rates. The relief was available to reduce chargeable amounts in respect of 2021/22 and must be directed towards ratepayers who had been adversely affected by the pandemic and had been unable to adequately adapt to that impact. As the measures were temporary there would be no change in legislation and therefore local authorities would be expected to use their discretionary relief powers to deliver the scheme. Trafford’s allocation was £6.4m. It was noted that grant payments would be processed as soon as practicable.

          RESOLVED -

(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.