Decision details

The matter needs to be considered by the Leader on that date because on 31st October the Government announced a further national lockdown effective from 5th November to 2nd December which requires certain businesses to legally close due to restrictions being put in place to manage coronavirus.

The announcement included a grant funding package and schemes that will operate to support businesses within the business rates system.

It is essential that the Council develop robust policies which will adequately deal with the impositions placed on certain businesses.

These are new schemes which need to be implemented as a matter of urgency and so executive approval for the scheme is being sought from the Leader. The Leader is being asked to authorise the Director of Service Delivery to implement and administer the scheme as there is no existing officer delegation in place.

The Leader of the Council approves the Additional Restrictions Supports Grants Scheme and grants the Director of Service Delivery delegated authority, to implement, and if necessary, amend each Policy (in consultation with the Leader). Such delegated authority will include any measures necessary for or incidental to its management and administration.

In accordance with section 17 of the Council’s Policy and Performance Advisory Committee Procedure Rules, the call-in procedure shall not apply to this decision given its urgency. A decision is urgent if, in the view of the decision maker, any delay likely to be caused by the call-in process would, for example, seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests.

In accordance with this section, it is the opinion of the decision maker that this decision is an urgent one and therefore exempt from call-in.

These are new schemes which need to be implemented as a matter of urgency and so executive approval for the scheme is being sought from the Leader. The Leader is being asked to authorise the Director of Service Delivery to implement and administer the scheme as there is no existing officer delegation in place.

This additional funding has been made available by Government as an emergency measure to support businesses mandated to close under national restrictions. Time does not permit alternative options.