Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Corporate Services.

Recommendation:

That Cabinet approve the application for Discretionary Business Rates Relief for Rotherham Families First in accordance with the details set out in Section 6 of this report for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.

Consideration was given to the report which asked Cabinet to consider the application for the award of Discretionary Business Rates Relief for Rotherham Families First. This was in accordance with the Council’s Business Rates Discretionary Relief Policy (approved by Officer Delegated Decision in July 2025).

Rotherham Families First was a registered charity which aimed to work within the borough to prevent or relieve poverty. The end users were identified by charities, churches, schools and a range of professionals, then provided with support and goods delivered through appropriate organisations including REMA, the Red Cross and the Refugee Council.

The Charity was requesting an award for discretionary rate relief for the premises at Parkgate which were used to facilitate the receipt, collation and distribution of donated and purchased goods. The charity also organised the annual Rotherham Toy Appeal which launched on 7 November 2025 and had traditionally helped over 2,000 young people and children at Christmas. Whilst that work was the focus during November and December, there remained an ongoing commitment to support vulnerable Rotherham families with their basic needs.

The application for the award of discretionary relief was in line with the Council’s qualifying criteria as set out in its Policy. The Charity provided access to support which was open to all sections of the community, and it worked to develop community spirit and improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

Rotherham Families First proposed discretionary business rates relief was:

Year             Total Amount of Relief       Cost to RMBC

2025/26        £900.05                             £441.02

2026/27        £1360.80                           £666.79

(Did not occupy until 13/08/2025)

Resolved:

1.    That Cabinet approve the application for Discretionary Business Rates Relief for Rotherham Families First in accordance with the details set out in Section 6 of this report for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.