Issue details

DCLG have published a paper on 1st September 2017 inviting local authorities to submit pilot bids for one year (2018/19) for 100% localisation of business rates. Bids must be submitted by 27th October 2017, with the outcome being advised by DCLG in December 2017.

100% pilots will retain all locally-collected business rates and will receive additional responsibilities in return. Any difference between the increase in business rate retention and new responsibilities will be offset by an adjustment to top-ups or tariffs. The creation of the pilots will therefore be “fiscally neutral” at baseline. However authorities will gain from retaining 100% of any above-baseline growth.

The Chief Executive has agreed that this will be treated as an urgent item due to work not concluding with all potential West Sussex pooling local authorities until mid-October and will be protected from Call-in.