Issue - meetings

That Council:-

1.            Notes the summit held on 9 November 2022 concerning the future of Aberdeen City Centre. 

2.            Notes the unanimous decision of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee in June 2017 to set aside up to £4.2million to be utilised for a non-domestic rates local transition scheme. 

3.            Agrees the damaging effect of Scottish Government controlled Non-Domestic Rates has had as another decisive factor in the deterioration of the high street despite temporary mitigation measures. 

4.            Notes that only legislation by the Scottish Parliament will structurally change the scheme of Non-Domestic Rates in Scotland and that the council lacks the powers to change the rates for businesses.

5.            Agrees that the power to provide business rate relief already lies with the Council.

6.                 Therefore instructs the Chief Officer - City Growth, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Customer Experience and Chief Officer -  Finance, to report to the next Council meeting providing details on a range of options and costings for a ‘business rates exemption zone’ within the city centre. 

The Council resolved:-

to refer the notice of motion to the budget process.  

The Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Houghton in the following terms:-

          That Council:-

1.    Notes the summit held on 9 November 2022 concerning the future of Aberdeen City Centre.

2.    Notes the unanimous decision of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee in June 2017 to set aside up to £4.2million to be utilised for a non-domestic rates local transition scheme.

3.    Agrees the damaging effect of Scottish Government controlled Non-Domestic Rates has had as another decisive factor in the deterioration of the high street despite temporary mitigation measures.

4.    Notes that only legislation by the Scottish Parliament will structurally change the scheme of Non-Domestic Rates in Scotland and that the Council lacks the powers to change the rates for businesses.

5.    Agrees that the power to provide business rate relief already lies with the Council.

6.    Therefore instructs the Chief Officer - City Growth, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Customer Experience and Chief Officer - Finance, to report to the next Council meeting providing details on a range of options and costings for a ‘business rates exemption zone’ within the city centre.

The Council resolved:-

to refer the notice of motion to the budget process.