Business Rates Discretionary Relief Policy

3.1. We will expect membership of any organisation applying for relief to be open to all sections of the community. This would not apply where legitimate restrictions are required which relate, for example, to ability in a sport or the achievement of a standard or where the capacity of the facilities is limited. Organisations will not be given relief if they have membership subscription rates set at such a high level that they exclude the general community.

3.2. We will also take into account the following:

• Access to Facilities
  Whether the organisation:
  • is open to all sections of the community
  • actively encourages membership for particular groups in the community e.g. young people, women, persons with a disability, ethnic minorities, etc.
  • makes the facilities available to non-members
  • provides services that enhance community spirit
  • organises community events
  • makes information on itself available electronically.
• Provision of Facilities
  Whether:
  • the organisation provides training or education to its members
  • the facilities will be provided by self-help or grant aid
  • the organisation runs a bar (where a bar is the main activity it would be expected that any bar profits would be used to offset expenses negating the reliance on public funds)
  • the organisation provides facilities that indirectly relieve the Authority of the need to do so
  • the organisation promotes healthy living and fitness.
• Employment
  Whether the organisation:
  • employs staff or relies heavily on unpaid volunteers
  • employs Rotherham residents
  • offers work placements such as apprenticeships to the young people of Rotherham
• Other Considerations
  Whether:
  • the organisation is affiliated to any local or national bodies
  • the membership is drawn from people mainly resident in the Rotherham area
  • the organisation requires financial assistance