Northampton Borough Council

Northampton Borough Council Business Rates Relief Consultation results

121011 Business Rates Relief Consultation Results Report Updated 111012.doc 1

Northampton Borough Council Business Rates Relief Review 2012

Consultation Results – Phase 1

Report author: Keith Mitchell

Communities Programmes Manager 01604 837072 [email protected]

October 2012

mailto:[email protected]



1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report contains the results for the Business Rates Relief Review Consultation which took place between 13 June 2012 and 3 September 2012. Key results

Responses

1 The number of consultees that participated in this consultation are as follows:

o 56 people attended the two public consultation events o 36 responses were received to the online survey o 6 letters/emails were received from individuals

Impact on individual groups

2 Consultees described the impact on their organisation of reducing or withdrawing the relief, in a range from causing a reduction in the level of service they can provide or a requirement to increase the charges they make to users, up to a catastrophic financial impact whereby they would have to close.

3 Other key comments were that it would end up costing the Borough Council more money when voluntary organisations end up having to close because of the removal of relief, and that in reality voluntary organisations require more financial help from the Borough Council, not added costs.

Consultees’ suggestions for replacement schemes

4 Consultees made a number of suggestions for a replacement relief scheme from retaining the current year’s scheme in full to limiting relief to registered charities only ie remove the 100% full relief scheme.

5 A common theme was that such awards should be restricted to organisations delivering clear benefits to the people of Northampton (social and economic impact).

6 Other restrictions included limiting relief to properties with a maximum rateable value such as £25k or £50k, index linked thereafter, although one consultee said that there should be no restriction based on property value.

7 Suggestions for other criteria included taking account of the level of surpluses and liquid assets retained within the organisation.

8 Other suggestions that should be considered as they are being employed in other Councils include:

o Have a cap on the level awarded by percentage o Have a cap on the level awarded by set amount o Reduce the percentage of Top-Up relief o Reduce the percentage of Full relief o Encourage sports clubs to apply for Community Amateur Sports

Club status



2 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Cabinet approved the service of notices to revoke all existing

discretionary reliefs from National Non-Domestic Rates for charities and not-for-profit organisations with effect from 1 April 2013, and authorised consultation on a new scheme of discretionary relief to come into effect on 1 April 2013, on 7 March 2012. Letters were despatched to all relief recipients on 22 March 2012.

2.2 Consultation is being carried out in two principal phases. The first

invites suggestions as to how the scheme of discretionary relief could be varied to best support Northampton’s interests. Using the results of this consultation, a small number of options for a revised scheme will be developed. The second phase of consultation will test these options, enabling the final version to benefit from a wide range of contributions.

2.3 Consultation has been targeted at organisations and individuals

currently in receipt of NNDR relief, and those who might be in future. The Northampton Voluntary and Community Sector Forum, and Northampton Volunteering Centre, have assisted with this debate using their extensive networks of local organisations.

2.4 This consultation followed the principles set out in the Council’s

Consultation Toolkit and industry standard guidance on best practice in consultation.

2.5 The results of the first phase of consultation are contained in this

report. They will be used by the Council as part of the process for developing a small number of options for a new scheme of discretionary relief for 2013/14 and beyond. The second phase of consultation will then be undertaken on these options.



3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Residents, businesses, and other stakeholders were invited to provide

feedback on the revocation of the discretionary reliefs and to provide suggestions for a replacement scheme of reliefs during the consultation period and support was made available to maximise involvement and understanding of the proposals.

3.2 People were able to engage in a range of methods:

• Meeting of the Council’s Cabinet 7 March 2012; • Engagement with the voluntary and community sector via

meetings with the Northampton Volunteering Centre (NVC) and the Northampton VCS Forum in March, May and June;

• Briefing on the review at the Northampton Voluntary & Community Sector Forum meeting held on 26 April 2012;

• Consultation Events - Open public meetings held at the Doddridge Centre, St James Road on 25 June and 18 July 2012;

• Ad-hoc meetings with individual organisations as requested; • On-line survey undertaken by NVC on behalf of NBC – available

from 9 July to 3 September 2012. Respondents were told that the information would be used to inform the council of the impact their work has on the borough, and ultimately the cost saving for the borough.

3.3 The consultation was advertised in a very targeted way by sending

mailshots to each organisation receiving relief this year and to all voluntary and community organisations on the NVC database.

3.4 A full list of those receiving relief in 2011/12 and who were sent invites to participate is included as Appendix 1. NVC sent invites to their database of 559 voluntary and charitable organisations.



4 RESULTS 4.1 Responses to the initial consultation have been received in the

following formats: • Public Comments at consultation events on 25 June and 18 July • Online survey • Letters and emails received from individuals.

4.2 A total of 31 representatives attended the first public event on 25 June

and 25 attended the second public event on 18 July. A list of organisations that attended these meetings is attached as Appendix 2.

4.3 A total of 36 responses were received to the online survey by NVC and

6 letters/emails were received from individuals by NBC. Findings and Analysis – Consultation Events 4.4 Below are the questions asked and the key responses received.

4.5 What would the impact be on individual groups of withdrawing

discretionary relief? Comments received and points raised:

• Greater competition for funding and outcome of bids not known for several months

• Most organisations will suffer either financial loss or service loss – social and economic impact

• Reduced funds for investment in facilities • Would have to increase level of subscriptions/fees for visiting public • Major impact - households cannot give more and a lot will throw in

the towel! • A further cut in funding will have a negative impact on the

community • What will NBC cut as a result? • Difficult for a national charity to assess local value • One pot of cash – more in rates leaves less for charity to spend • Budgets are developed 18 months ahead so withdrawal in April

2013 would affect these plans • An increase in overheads would leave a funding gap • Would require an increase in grant funding or lead to a reduction in

services • National groups provide benefits to the town; if relief is removed

from us, we may have to move out of the Borough which will have a negative impact on the town

• Business rates represents 5% of total costs • Total devastation • Would have to increase fees to NBC for using our facility • As struggling already, loss of the 20% top up relief could break us



• Every relationship must be mutual – everyone needs to tighten their belt

4.6 What would the impact be on the Voluntary & Charitable Sector (VCS)

of withdrawing discretionary relief? Comments received and points raised: • With expected cuts in funding, a further additional cut of 20% will prove

crippling for sector and have negative impact • If support is reduced this might place pressures on NBC's Partnership

Fund • The VS provides vital services for free. To pay for people to provide

replacements would cost far more than the very small revenue return. But, a small revenue does not exist in many cases, so the organisation will go. In every case we provide 10X the cost in return!

• Our organisation is totally run on donations and people cannot donate more…

• If NBC is supportive of the Big Society it is essential that the outcomes of this exercise support those organisations which are supportive of the vulnerable of Northampton

• Significant impact on non-charities should decision be made only to provide relief to charities. These non-charities may be providing very valuable services to Northampton saving LAs money

• Relationship breakdown. By removing the discretionary rate relief this will impact VS by having to increase the client contribution/donation in order to remain sustainable in the longer term.

4.7 What suggestions do you have for a replacement scheme? Comments received and points raised: • NO change • Base scheme upon social and economic impact • Keep discretionary relief as a direct percentage of mandatory relief • Remove/reduce 100% grant • No golf clubs • Phase impact of introduction over 5 years • Have cap on rateable value say £25k or £50k, then index-linked

annually • Clear criteria; Transparent processes/ implementation; Costed impact -

negative/positive worked out in added value • Possible criteria:

Priority 1 - those organisations which can prove they are contributing to the local community (social and economic value) Priority 2 - those organisations which can demonstrate they are meeting a defined NBC/Government target eg. health and lifestyle Priority 3 - those organisations which can demonstrate they are contributing to wider social and economic value



• Suggest to Central Government that if Big Society is to succeed then Central Government should bear the cut of 20% or at least some of it

• Scheme based on benefits to Northampton area that are open and transparent to any not-for-profit organisation. Need ability to challenge decision and decision panel including non-council persons

• Need to consider where the charity is established • Clear guidance must be given on level of reserves acceptable – what

are they there for? • If an application is rejected, an annual application should be made in

future • Annual application requirement may cause difficulties with setting

budgets • Clear application form needed • Include cashflow in assessment of organisation • Must provide help to new organisations/projects • Restrict to those that help Northampton/local people • Provide guidance on ring-fencing • Assess criteria as a whole, not just question-based • Do not give to organisations that have professional advisers • Open access groups should be included • NO cap on large properties • Merit based • A national charity can also supply local services • Include an appeals process

Findings and Analysis – Online Survey 4.8 An online survey was carried out by NVC on the understanding that the

information would be provided to NBC. Below is the key question asked and the responses received.

4.9 Please tell us anything you think will help us understand how changes to the Discretionary Rates Relief may affect your organisation and the communities it serves. We are particularly interested to understand if any individuals or groups of individuals may be disproportionately affected. Comments received and points raised:

• The proposed withdrawal of this benefit would greatly affect our ability to sustain our support services and restrict further development, thus impacting on the health and well-being of those affected

• if we had to pay rates we might even have to shut up shop and the charity would have to scale back or completely close

• The only way that the cost of the rates could be covered is to raise the hire fees. This will result in families in areas of deprivation being excluded from the service.

• Loss of Discretionary Relief would result in having to both increase the annual subscription and price



• We try to keep costs as low as possible. Extra rates would not be beneficial to us or our clientele.

• This would take away valuable resources from our charitable work • We may not be able to afford to operate if we have to pay rates as

we are in the town centre. We stimulate a lot of visitors (live and online) and interest internationally for Northampton but without a venue we cannot exist long term

• Will have a significantly detrimental effect on our organisation’s finances, leading to a cut in resources, meaning a restriction in the amount and frequency of support given to community groups wishing to access our services

• Will basically kill the organisation & force it out of business • Will have a devastating impact on the budget and in turn to the life-

changing and life-saving support services that we provide to thousands of individual young people each year

• This short term resolution will lead to devastating and long term problems, which will end up costing the Borough Council more money when organisations, like ours end up having to close because of these business rates

• We would not be able to take as many people and would mean that we would lose valuable staff

• Any further increases will put the amenity beyond the reach of the poorer community and voluntary groups

• May require the Council to provide such services in the future if it is not provided by the current voluntary organisation

• We will need to substantially increase our subscriptions to a level which will disadvantage lower income families and disabled groups on benefits and reduce our membership, possibly to the point where we cease to be financially viable.

• In reality we require more financial help from the Borough Council, not added costs

Findings and Analysis – Letters and emails from

individuals 4.10 Below are the comments received and points raised by individuals who

wrote in or emailed. 4.11 What would the impact be on individual groups of withdrawing

discretionary relief? • We are now at a point where any further increase in costs or

funding cuts cannot be absorbed without impacting on service levels in a negative way (Northampton Womens Aid)

• We have already lost grants which we previously received from both the County and Borough councils, so any future increase in costs would cause us to seriously consider reducing the numbers of deliveries which we can make in a year leaving more people in Northampton in need. (Spencer Contact)

• We will be unable to pay. We will have to close down. (Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust)



• At this time of financial restraint it is not viable to ask our paying customers to pay more and so any additional revenue will not be realised (Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust)

• Any scheme which is brought in should recognise the value small local charities have to Northampton and the potential financial cost to the Borough Council if the proposed revoking of the discretionary business rate relief caused them to reduce the scope of their work or even cease to operate. (Spencer Contact)

• Would simply increase our anticipated operating deficit (Care & Repair Northampton)

• In the current financial climate, reduction of any type of financial assistance might only increase the local recession, by leading to closure of more services. (Care & Repair Northampton)

4.12 What suggestions do you have for a replacement scheme?

Comments received and points raised:

• Consideration of Reserves and Liquid Assets Assessors would need to understand the risks that a charitable organisation is exposed to (and thus the level of reserves required in order to mitigate those risks), before arbitrarily deciding on a figure that stood outside of eligibility. Average annual surplus over a given period might be a fairer benchmark to assess eligibility (although if the surplus was in part achieved by grants awarded to the organisation; consideration might also be given to sustainability of grant for the forthcoming year).

• A cap on the level awarded by percentage per organisation The level of relief awarded would be up to a maximum (say, 95%) of the total charge.

• A cap on the level awarded by set amount per organisation

The level of discretionary relief awarded will be no greater than a set amount (say, £2,000). Consideration would be given to awarding hardship to those organisations exceeding the cap level (subject to meeting hardship criteria). Organisations granted hardship relief would be financially no worse off.



5 CURRENT SCHEME AND OPTIONS FOR NEW SCHEME Current NBC scheme 5.1 Occupiers of non-domestic premises are normally liable to pay NNDR.

Occupiers who are Registered Charities are legally entitled to mandatory relief of 80% of this charge from Central Government. The Council has a discretionary power to grant additional relief of the remaining 20%, leaving the Charity with nothing to pay. The Council also has discretion to grant up to 100% relief to other not-for-profit organisations subject to certain conditions.

5.2 Every application for relief is considered on its merits, but in deciding

whether to grant these discretionary reliefs, the Council must be able to demonstrate that it acted reasonably. New scheme awards will be granted from 1 April 2013. The current NBC policy is attached as Appendix 3.

5.3 In 2011/12, 180 organisations received discretionary relief costing the

Council £240k as follows: • 36 received full discretionary relief 100% (£57k) - 24 sporting

clubs, 2 religious groups, 6 leisure/social/special interest groups, 4 community support groups

• 144 received top-up discretionary relief 20% (£183k) - 6 sporting clubs, 8 religious groups, 13 leisure/social/special interest groups, 23 youth groups, 94 community support groups

Other local councils’ schemes 5.4 East Northants makes awards for five years at a time. Their award is

based on a percentage calculation depending on local benefit and proposed budgets for the next five years.

5.5 Wellingborough served notice in March 2011 and every organisation

in receipt of relief had to re-apply. Wellingborough's maximum Discretionary Relief granted is 50% and all applications have to go to the Resources Committee to be discussed individually by the councillors. All reliefs are only for a maximum of one year.

5.6 Kettering reviews the percentages of reliefs awarded every year

depending on the budget they have for the year. Again, a new application has to be made every year but decisions are made by the Revenue Manager. They are not granting discretionary relief to any organisation with a building of rateable value of £25k or above.

5.7 Corby has served notice the same as Northampton at the end of the

last financial year and has yet to make a decision about what is



happening from next April. They are waiting for a Full Council decision but it looks as though they will want new applications from all organisations from next year. They are considering a points system to decide the level of award.

5.8 South Northants and Daventry both review levels of relief every

year. They aren't serving notice for a review from 2013 as they are waiting for the publication of the review of Business Rates from DCLG but will be more than likely serving notice from March 2013 for a review in 2014.

5.9 Northampton has been far and away the most generous in the county

in awarding 100% discretionary relief or the 20% top-up for charities. As seen above, most others have a cap on the amount they award or just award a lower percentage.

Scheme options suggested by consultees 5.10 Based on consultation responses, there are a number of options which

could be considered for example:

• Retain the current year’s scheme in full

• Limit relief to registered charities only ie remove the 100% full relief scheme

• Restrict such awards to organisations delivering clear benefits to the people of Northampton.

• Limit relief to properties with a maximum rateable value, £25k or £50k, index linked thereafter

• Base scheme upon social and economic impact

• Prioritise applications based on the following criteria: Priority 1 - those organisations which can prove they are contributing to the local community (social and economic value) Priority 2 - those organisations which can demonstrate they are meeting a defined NBC/Government target eg. health and lifestyle Priority 3 - those organisations which can demonstrate they are contributing to wider social and economic value

• Base scheme on maximum average annual surplus over a given period. If the surplus is in part achieved by grants awarded to the organisation, consider sustainability of grant for the forthcoming year.

• Set a cap on the amount awarded per organisation eg £2,000. This amount can be exceeded if certain criteria are met, where an organisation is experiencing or could face financial difficulties as a result of the decision to cap the rate of relief.



5.11 There are other options not mentioned by consultees directly, but are being operated by other Councils which could be considered, for example:

• Reduce the percentage of discretionary Top-Up relief (20%)

awarded

• Reduce the percentage of discretionary Full relief (100%) awarded

• Encourage appropriate Full relief recipients to apply for Community Amateur Sports Club status (CASC) so they can qualify for 80% mandatory relief, reducing NBC commitment

• A combination of two or more of the options suggested 5.12 Based on consultation responses, there are a number of additional

aspects of any new scheme which could be considered for example:

• Phase impact of introduction over 5 years • Clear criteria; Transparent processes/ implementation; Costed

impact - negative/positive worked out in added value • Appeals process • Clear guidance must be given on level of reserves acceptable and

what they can be used for • If an application is rejected, an annual application should be made

in future • Clear application form • Cashflow to be included in assessment of organisation • Provide help to new organisations/projects



6 EQUALITIES 6.1 The Council will consider the results of this consultation to make an

informed decision regarding the replacement Business Rates Relief scheme, having due regard to its legal equalities duties.

6.2 The process of consultation and the new scheme for award of

discretionary NNDR relief will be considered carefully to ensure that their impact is understood and any risks of inequality addressed. Charitable and other not-for-profit bodies are often involved in providing services or pursuing equality of access or opportunity for communities and individuals with the Protected Characteristics defined under equalities legislation. Any change to these bodies’ financial situation as a result of a new NNDR relief scheme could have implications on those groups.

6.3 Equality and diversity were considered as part of the 2012/13 Budget

proposals process and an equality impact analysis and screening was completed at that stage on the two proposed options for reducing NNDR discretionary relief awarded to charitable and non-profit making organisations. At that stage there were no adverse impacts identified in relation to any of the groups with protected characteristics.

6.4 Once consultation on the specific options for a replacement scheme

are complete, the equality impact analysis will be revisited. An equality impact analysis will be undertaken for any agreed option to identify potential adverse impact on vulnerable groups, and act as appropriate.

6.5 An equality impact analysis at this stage of the consultation process is

available as Appendix 4.



Appendices

Appendix 1 2011/12 Relief Recipients Appendix 2 Consultation Event Attendee Organisations Appendix 3 Current NBC Policy for Discretionary Rates

Relief Appendix 4 Current Equality Impact Analysis



Appendix 1 2011/12 Relief Recipients

19/11/201212:28 Appendix 1 - 120924 BRR Recipients.XLS

NBC BUSINESS RATES RELIEF RECIPIENTS

1 A G H A2 ABINGTON AVE UNITED REFORM3 ABINGTON BANGLADESHI ISLAMIC4 ABINGTON BOWLING CLUB LTD5 ABINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE6 ACORN CHILDCARE (UK)7 AFRO CARIBBEAN SOCIETY8 AFTER SCHOOL CLUB9 AGE CONCERN NORTHAMPTON

10 AL-JAMAAT-UL-MUSLIMIN11 ALL SAINTS PRIMARY SCHOOL12 ALLISTON GARDENS YOUTH &13 ASSOCIATION OF UKRAINIANS14 BARNADOS15 BELLINGE & DISTRICT CENTRE16 BME SUB REGIONAL17 BOOTHVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE18 BOYS BRIGADE OLD BOYS RUGBY F C19 BRIAR HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE20 BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION21 BRITISH INSTITUTE OF22 BRITISH SUB AQUA CLUB23 BTCV ENTERPRISES LTD24 CAMP HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE25 CANCER RESEARCH UK26 CANTO LTD27 CARE AND REPAIR NORTHAMPTON28 CAREERS DEVELOPMENT GROUP29 CHAMBER WORKSHOPS LTD30 CHAPLINS SUPPORT GROUP31 CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF WASTE32 CHRIST DISCIPLES FAITH33 CLAIMAR CARE LTD34 CLUBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE35 COLLINGTREE SCHOOL36 COMMSAVE CREDIT UNION LTD37 COMMUNITY LAW SERVICES38 COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE39 CYNTHIA SPENCER CHARITY40 DALLINGTON LAWN TENNIS CLUB41 DEBRA42 DEVELOPMENT AID FROM PEOPLE43 DODDRIDGE CENTRE LTD44 DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN & GIRLS45 DUSTON PARISH COUNCIL46 EAST MIDLANDS HOUSING ASSOC.47 ELDEAN CHILD CARE LTD48 ENGLISH HERITAGE49 EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN MISSION50 EXTRA CARE CHARITABLE TRUST51 FAR COTTON BOYS CLUB52 FERNIE FIELD SPORTS CLUB53 FRIENDS OF CYNTHIA SPENCER54 FRIENDS OF NPTON GENERAL HOSPTL55 FRIENDSHIP ZONE LTD56 GIRLS' DAY SCHOOL TRUST57 GOODWILL SOLUTIONS58 GULZARE MEDINA ISLAMIC WELFARE59 HANOVER HOUSING ASSOCIATION


60 HARDINGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL61 HARDINGSTONE SCOUT GROUP62 HARDINGSTONE VILLAGE HALL ASSOC63 HEADLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL64 HEADWAY NORTHAMPTON65 HOMESTART NORTHAMPTON66 INSPIRATION F M67 INSTIGATORS LTD68 JANAN FIFIELD & HASSAN MOHAMMED69 JESUS ARMY CHARITABLE TRUST70 KIDSAID71 KINGS HEATH ADVENTURE CLUB72 KINGSTHORPE C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL73 KINGSTHORPE GOLF CLUB74 LEICESTER HOUSING ASSOCIATION75 LIFE IN CHRIST MINISTRIES76 MALCOLM ARNOLD ACADEMY77 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE78 MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE79 MEREWAY BUTTERFLY PRE SCHOOL80 MIND81 MODEL RAILWAY GROUP82 MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOC83 MOULTON COLLEGE84 MR MARK WALMAN85 N S P C C (EASTERN REGION)86 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE87 NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SPIRITUAL88 NCOMPASS89 NEED TO KNOW ADVICE & TRAINING90 NENE VALLEY CHRISTIAN FAMILY91 NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD92 NORTHAMPTON & DISTRICT R A O B93 NORTHAMPTON AMATEUR ATHLETIC94 NORTHAMPTON AMATEUR BOXING CLUB95 NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT96 NORTHAMPTON ARTS COLLECTIVE97 NORTHAMPTON BOAT CLUB98 NORTHAMPTON CASUALS R.F.C99 NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE

100 NORTHAMPTON COUNCIL ON ADDICTION101 NORTHAMPTON GIRLGUIDING ASSOC102 NORTHAMPTON LAWN TENNIS CLUB103 NORTHAMPTON OLD SCOUTS R F C104 NORTHAMPTON PHAB CENTRE105 NORTHAMPTON PONY CLUB106 NORTHAMPTON ROWING CLUB107 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SPORTS CLUB108 NORTHAMPTON SCHOOL FOR BOYS109 NORTHAMPTON SCOUT ASSOCIATION110 NORTHAMPTON SOCIETY OF MODEL111 NORTHAMPTON SPENCER FOOTBALL112 NORTHAMPTON THEATRE GUILD113 NORTHAMPTON THEATRES TRUST LTD114 NORTHAMPTON VOLUNTEERING115 NORTHAMPTON WATER SKI CLUB LTD116 NORTHAMPTON WEIGHT LIFTING CLUB117 NORTHAMPTON WOMEN'S AID118 NORTHAMPTON YOUTH COUNSELLING &119 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE A C R E120 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ASSOCIATION


121 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF122 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CDA LTD123 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF124 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COMMUNITY125 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL ON126 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTRY CENTRE127 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ENTERPRISE128 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FAMILY129 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOC130 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE RAPE & INCEST131 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE VICTIM SUPPORT132 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Y M C A133 NORTHANTS FILM MAKERS134 NORTHANTS FIRE BRIGADE135 NORTHANTS IRONSTONE136 NORTHANTS TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS137 NOTTINGHAM COMMUNITY HOUSING138 NPTON & DIST INDOOR BOWLING ASOC139 NPTON AFRO-CARRIB. ORGANISAT.140 NPTON COUNTY LAWN TENNIS CLUB141 NPTON WEST END BOWLING CLUB142 NPTONSHIRE ASSOCIATION143 NUFFIELD HEALTH144 OLD NORTHAMPTONIANS ASSOCIATION145 ORBIT HOUSING ASSOCIATION146 OXFAM147 PARKLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION148 PARKLANDS LEARNING & CARE CENTRE149 PAVILION PLAYGROUP150 PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN BOARD OF151 PLACES FOR PEOPLE GROUP LTD152 POLISH ROMAN CATHOLIC153 R S P C A154 RATHBONE TRAINING155 RELATE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE156 RSPCA - NORTHAMPTON BRANCH157 RUGBY MAYDAY TRUST158 RUSHMERE TENNIS CLUB159 SALVATION ARMY TRADING CO LTD160 SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND161 SEA CADET CORPS162 SHAW HEALTHCARE (HOMES) LTD163 SHELTER MERCHANDISING LTD164 SHOP MOBILITY NORTHAMPTON165 SIMON DE SENLIS PRE SCHOOL166 SOUTHERN QTR DEVELOPMENT GROUP167 SPENCER & DALLINGTON COMMUNITY168 SPENCER CONTACT169 SPRING BOROUGHS COMMUNITY CENTRE170 SPRING LANE OUT OF SCH CLUB LTD171 ST ANDREWS CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL172 ST ANDREWS HOSPITAL173 ST CRISPINS HOSPITAL SOCIAL CLUB174 ST GILES CHARITY ESTATES175 ST GREGORY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC176 ST JAMES CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL177 ST JAMES COMMUNITY CENTRE178 ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION179 ST LUKE'S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL180 ST LUKES CHURCH OF ENGLAND181 ST MARYS FAR COTTON SCOUT GROUP


182 ST MARYS ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCH183 ST PETERS INDEPENDENT184 SUE RYDER CARE185 SUNNYSIDE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP186 THAI-BO & MARTIAL ARTS STUDI0187 THE 78 DERNGATE NORTHAMPTON188 THE AFRICAN & CARRIBEAN ELDERS189 THE ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN190 THE BLACK BELT ACADEMY191 THE BOYS BRIGADE192 THE BRIDGE SUBSTANCE MIS-USE193 THE BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY194 THE BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY195 THE COMMUNITY LAW SERVICE196 THE DUSTON SCHOOL197 THE EXTRACARE CHARITABLE TRUST198 THE FRIENDS OF DELAPRE ABBEY199 THE FRIENDSHIP ZONE LTD200 THE GIRL GUIDES201 THE GOOD SHEPHERD RC PRIMARY SCHOOL202 THE GUIDE ASSOCIATION203 THE HOPE CENTRE204 THE MANNA HOUSE TRUST205 THE MOUNTBATTEN MEMORIAL TRUST206 THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD207 THE NORTHAMPTON BANGLADESHI208 THE PASTURES COMMUNITY CENTRE209 THE PSORIASIS ASSOCIATION210 THE PUBLIC SAFETY CHARITABLE211 THE RAMGARHIA BOARD (NORTHAMP212 THE SAMARITANS213 THE STROKE ASSOCIATION214 THE UNITED LEARNING TRUST215 THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON216 THE WILDLIFE TRUST BCN217 THOMAS BECKETT R C SCHOOL218 THORPLANDS & THORPLANDS BROOK219 TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE220 TREASURER, NORTHANTS NATURAL221 TRUSTEES DUSTON INSTITUTE222 TYRONE POWER & JUNIOR ANDERSON223 UK ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE224 UNITED TENNIS CLUB225 UNITY LEISURE226 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON227 USERS SUPPORT SERVICES228 VIRIDIAN HOUSING229 VOLUNTEER READING HELP230 WASTE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY231 WELFARE RIGHTS ADVICE SERVICE232 WESTON FAVELL CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL233 WESTON FAVELL PARISH HALL234 WESTON FAVELL SCOUT GROUP235 WOOTTON & EAST HUNSBURY236 WOOTTON COMMUNITY & SPORTS CTR237 WOOTTON MEMORIAL HALL COUNCIL238 WORLD MANDATE MINISTRIES239 Y.M.C.A NORTHAMPTON240 YWCA ENGLAND & WALES



Appendix 2 Consultation Event Attendee Organisations 25 June Consultation Event Attendees 1 NVC 2 Spencer Contact 3 Northampton SME 4 Northampton SME 5 Sanctuary 6 Sanctuary 7 N&DPBA 8 78 Derngate Trust 9 Unidentified 10 NDIBA 11 Broadmead Baptist Church 12 Abington Avenue URC 13 GEM Trust 14 SQDG 15 ESN 16 Relate Northants 17 JACT 18 Autism Concern 19 Northampton & District MIND 20 Shopmobility 21 ACRE 22 Royal & Derngate 23 Royal & Derngate 24 Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge 25 Northampton Women’s Aid 26 Project Development Consultant 27 11th Northampton Boys Brigade 28 11th Northampton Boys Brigade 29 NAYC 30 The Spring Charity 31 The Doddridge Centre



18 July Consultation Event Attendees 1 Friendship Zone 2 IRW 3 CAN 4 Girlguiding Northamptonshire 5 Girlguiding Northamptonshire 6 CANTO 7 Psoriasis Assoc 8 Northampton Hope Centre 9 The Doddridge Centre 10 Girlguiding Northampton 11 Girlguiding Northampton 12 Northampton Door To Door Service 13 Southbrook Community Assoc 14 Southbrook Community Assoc 15 Southbrook Community Assoc 16 Boothville Community centre 17 NVC 18 Hardingstone Village Hall 19 Aljamaatul Muslimin 20 Parklands Community centre 21 FODA 22 NACO 23 NACO 24 NACO 25 Inspiration FM



Appendix 3 Current NBC Policy for Discretionary Rates Relief

Discretionary Rate Relief Policy Northampton Borough Council welcomes applications for Discretionary Rate Relief from applicants where: (a) the ratepayer is a charity or trustees for a charity, and the property is wholly or

mainly used for charitable purposes, or from other organisations established for charitable purposes.

(b) where all or part of the hereditament is occupied by one or more institutions or

other organisations which are: - not established or conducted for profit, and,

- whose aims are charitable or otherwise philanthropic, or concerned with the promotion of social welfare, religion, education, science, literature or the fine arts.

(c) where the hereditament is wholly or mainly used for: - the purposes of recreation or sport, and,

- all or part of the property is occupied for the purposes of a club, society or other organisation not established or conducted for profit.

In line with the Wednesbury principle, all cases are considered on their own merits by the Council. All applications are required to be in writing on an application form available from the Business Rates Section and accompanied by copies of the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, or Rules of the Association, together with copies of accounts and balance sheets. Cases will be reviewed every year however any changes in occupier, funding of the organisation, size or use of the property should be reported to the Business Rates Section immediately.



Appendix 4 Current Equality Impact Analysis Business Rates Relief Consultation Programme What are we looking to achieve in this activity? This consultation was designed using the principles established in our Consultation Toolkit to make sure that it was accessible to all organisations that may be affected by a replacement Business Rates Relief scheme (ie existing Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) relief recipients and any other voluntary and community sector interested parties) and that all groups can participate and respond meaningfully. How will the decision be made? Cabinet will consider the results of this consultation and of all relevant impact assessments to help it make an informed decision regarding the Council’s replacement Business Rates Relief scheme in December 2012. The Council will agree its Corporate Plan and set its Budget, including the cost of Business Rates Relief for the forthcoming 2013/2014 financial year in January 2013.

What information exists already to assist with making the judgments above? Has any consultation been undertaken on this or any other related issue? Are any reports or relevant documents available internally or from partners or other sources? An equality impact analysis and screening was carried out in November 2011 on the two options for cost savings considered for budget purposes. Information on the local population profile has been obtained from the joint strategic needs assessment and current census data. Who is/ will be the main beneficiaries/people affected by this activity? All voluntary and community organisations operating from premises within the town or will be operating from premises within the town may be potentially affected by the choice of replacement scheme. There will be no impact on NBC staff. However, changes may affect the level of service received by the public from the voluntary and community organisations affected. Does the activity have the potential to cause adverse impact or to discriminate against different groups in the community or to make a positive contribution to equalities?



The testing challenges caused by the general economic environment, and the credit crunch in particular, are already having a significant impact on our communities and also on our budget and on VCS budgets, creating added pressure and increased demand for our and VCS services. With limited resources, the Council’s and VCS service provision will need to be reviewed and this may affect the services we and VCS provide, the people who deliver them and those who receive them. It is critical when making decisions that may affect people and organisations that their views are sought and considered so that we can understand what matters to them, what they consider priority and what areas are in need of improvement and how the choices made may impact on their lives.

Impact We are not yet aware of any groups of individuals with protected characteristics that will be disadvantaged disproportionately by a replacement scheme. Following completion of the second stage of consultation, any issues raised will be considered for potential inclusion mitigation or deletion as may be appropriate. Any options with impact on VCS services will have the issues and risks raised through their individual assessments and evaluations taken into account in the implementation and monitoring of the options.

Issues and concerns identified during this consultation have been used to inform priorities for the Council’s replacement Business Rates Relief scheme.

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Northampton Borough Council