business rates | District Councils' Network https://www.districtcouncils.info Closer to communities Tue, 23 May 2023 17:54:54 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.districtcouncils.info/wp-content/uploads/cropped-site-icon-32x32.png business rates | District Councils' Network https://www.districtcouncils.info 32 32 DCN Consultation Response: review of Local Authorities’ relative needs and resources https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-consultation-response-review-of-local-authorities-relative-needs-and-resources/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:01:03 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=2016 [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-10″][vc_column_text]

DCN Consultation Response: review of Local Authorities’ relative needs and resources

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The District Councils’ Network response to the MHCLG consultation on the review of Local Authorities’ relative needs and resources can be found at this link.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#f4f4f4″][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-12 vc_col-md-12″][vc_column_text]

Related Posts

[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDJTIxLS0lMjBUaGlzJTIwaXMlMjB0aGUlMjBDb25zdWx0YXRpb24lMjBSZXNwb25zZXMlMjBQb3N0cyUyMENhcm91c2VsJTIwLS0lM0UlMEElNUJ3Y3AtY2Fyb3VzZWwlMjBpZCUzRCUyMjI0OTAlMjIlNUQlMEE=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

]]> DCN Consultation Response: Business Rates Retention Reform https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-consultation-response-business-rates-retention-reform/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:00:16 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=2014 [vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-10″][vc_column_text]

DCN Consultation Response: Business Rates Retention Reform

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The District Councils’ Network response to the MHCLG consultation on Business Rates Retention Reform can be found at this link.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#f4f4f4″][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-12 vc_col-md-12″][vc_column_text]

Related Posts

[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDJTIxLS0lMjBUaGlzJTIwaXMlMjB0aGUlMjBDb25zdWx0YXRpb24lMjBSZXNwb25zZXMlMjBQb3N0cyUyMENhcm91c2VsJTIwLS0lM0UlMEElNUJ3Y3AtY2Fyb3VzZWwlMjBpZCUzRCUyMjI0OTAlMjIlNUQlMEE=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

]]> DCN responds to HCLG Committee report on the future of the high street https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-responds-hclg-committee-report-on-the-future-of-the-high-street/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 11:30:11 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=2011 [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-10″][vc_column_text]

DCN responds to HCLG Committee

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Responding to the report published today by the HCLG Committee on the future of the high street, Cllr Mark Crane, DCN Lead for Stronger Economies, said:

“District councils are custodians of place; with housing, planning and growth powers we are best placed to lead on high street transformation. Districts are already working with businesses and local partners to improve our towns but in order to unlock our full potential, we must have the right funding, powers and flexibilities to deliver the drastic changes needed.

“As the report notes, planning remains crucial to creating the conditions where town centres thrive, and the recommendation to fine-tune and strengthen powers such as Compulsory Purchase Orders, is greatly welcomed, as is the recognition that permitted development rights undermine local strategic planning and any further extension should be suspended.

“However, in relation to funding, the DCN are clear that any conversation around business rates must recognise the transient landscape. Appropriate measures, such as the additional funding suggested, must be in place to ensure that business rates relief does not conflict with the ability to deliver key services for the residents and communities we serve.”

ENDS

CONTACT: DCN media office, 020 7664 3333

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#f4f4f4″][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Posts

[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

]]> DCN Consultation Response: Business Rates Treatment of self-catering accommodation https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-consultation-response-business-rates-treatment-of-self-catering-accommodation/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:41:08 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1952 The District Councils’ Network response to the MHCLG consultation Business Rates Treatment of self-catering accommodation can be found at this link.

 

]]> DCN Consultation Response: provisional local government finance settlement https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-consultation-response-provisional-local-government-finance-settlement/ Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:57:35 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1943 The District Councils’ Network response to the provisional local government finance settlement can be found at this link.

 

]]> DCN Budget Submission Autumn 2017 https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-budget-submission-autumn-2017/ Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:01:42 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1387 The DCN Submission to the Autumn Budget 2017 can be found at this link 

]]> DISTRICT COUNCILS CALL FOR COUNCIL TAX RAISING POWERS FOR NEW HEALTH PRECEPT https://www.districtcouncils.info/district-councils-call-for-council-tax-raising-powers-for-new-health-precept/ Sun, 24 Sep 2017 23:01:29 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1379 District councils must be able to raise council tax by 2 per cent to invest in prevention measures that would help relieve the ever increasing demand on social care and NHS budgets.

The District Councils’ Network, which represents 200 district councils across England, is calling on the Government ahead of this year’s budget to allow district councils to introduce a new 2 per cent  prevention precept on council tax to maintain and invest further in prevention services such as improving housing, providing leisure and recreational facilities, offering debt advice, tackling homelessness, supporting troubled families and improving air quality all of which help reduce demand on social care and health services.

Analysis by the DCN in its budget submission has found that a 2 per cent precept could raise up to an additional £25 million for district councils which would help to keep residents and their families from needing to access acute social care and the NHS by reducing demand for these services.

For a Band D property in a district area this would be an estimated 7p per week increase on the current average district council tax charge.

For every £1 spent on prevention, district councils say they can make up to £70 worth of savings on health spending in the long term. For example:

  • By adapting 100,000 homes to meet the needs of older people, districts could save the NHS £69 for every pound spent.
  • Investing in sport, leisure and recreation – core district functions – not only delivers health benefits but can generate £11.2 billion a year in savings, £1.7 billion of which is thought to be via savings to health care-associated costs.
  • By improving 100,000 homes to protect older people from the cold weather districts could save the NHS £34.19 for every pound spent.
  • The average cost to the State of a fractured hip is £28,665. This is 4.7 times the average cost of a major housing adaptation (£6,000) and 100 times the cost of fitting hand and grab rails to prevent falls.

With adult social care at a tipping point district councils want to play their part in reducing the burden on the social care system and in turn the NHS. According to the Local Government Association, adult social care faces an annual funding gap of £2.3 billion by 2020, with no signs of these pressures abating.

Whilst some of these pressures have been met by a one-off £2 billion injection into the system, no durable solution has been found. The DCN has been clear that changes to the New Homes Bonus to fund a very small part of this does not constitute a solution as it simply recycles existing local government funding. The New Homes Bonus must instead continue to reward increasing housing growth.

A 2 per cent prevention precept would give district councils additional resources to address health and wellbeing issues in their communities before people require more formalised acute based intervention.

Cllr John Fuller, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

“It is time the Government recognised the important role district councils play in prevention and early intervention. We know that for everyone £1 spent, district councils can save the NHS up to £70, just by adapting homes to prevent falls, improving home insulation and heating or providing recreational and leisure services.

“A 2 per cent prevention precept would go some way to reducing pressures on the social care system, by solving rather than managing problems, and allowing resources to be refocused on tackling problems one family at a time before they occur.

“Prevention is always better than cure. If we are to reduce pressures on the NHS and stop people from entering the social care system unnecessarily, districts council must be given the resources to invest in prevention.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

  1. DCN’s Autumn Budget Submission can be found here
  2. The district council contribution to public health: a time of challenge and opportunity
  3. Statistics relating to the average cost of treating hip fractures can be found here.
  4. LGA analysis on the annual funding gap in adult social care can be found here.

 

]]> Districts Delivering Growth https://www.districtcouncils.info/districts-delivering-growth/ Tue, 07 Feb 2017 12:20:18 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1064 ‘Districts Delivering Growth’ was the dominant theme of the DCN’s inaugural national conference – which was held at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth from 2 to 3 February 2017.

Since the Brexit referendum vote, economic growth has assumed even greater importance as the axis around which local government must pivot its activities.

A week prior to the conference we had seen the publication of a green paper on Industrial Strategy and legislation to enable the 100% retention of business rates. On the opening day of the conference the Brexit White Paper was published and delegates were preparing for the much anticipated new Housing White Paper

As a network our ability to secure a trio of high-profile ministerial speakers – Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, Business, Energy and Industrial Secretary, Greg Clark and Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell – to this inaugural conference was clear proof that the Government places great stock in the potential of districts to deliver growth.

Sajid Javid praised districts for their ‘can do attitude’ noting their strong track record of managing the heavy-lifting of deficit-reduction in the past six years while delivering impressively on housing, efficiency and local economic growth.

The topic of the future of devolution in district areas and the place of districts in an evolving local government structure was raised. And the Communities Secretary insisted the process was alive and well, adding he would turn his attention to bids not included in the first round of mayoral elections after May.

He also restated his pledge that when it comes to determining structure, ‘one-size does not fit all’ – and his personal philosophy of putting what works best for the communities we serve above rigid, top-down ideology and structures.

Speaking in advance of the Housing White Paper, housing minister Gavin Barwell noted the success of districts as the housing and planning authorities in siting more than one-in-two every new build homes nationwide. He also acknowledged the important role local authorities wishing to get back into building homes could play in boosting supply.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark told delegates that district councils were crucial to delivering the growth vision outlined in his green paper and had a real opportunity to influence the Industrial Strategy as it is developed over the coming months.

He told the conference that now was the ideal opportunity to respond vigorously and creatively to the industrial strategy – urging local government to seize the initiative and tell central government how, based on experience and evidence, local economies should be shaped. In his speech, chair of the Midlands Engine, Sir John Peace,also stressed the importance of connectivity and agility in driving the post-Brexit economic revival.

As an inaugural event, the conference – attended by more than 180 delegates – played out in a spirit of vibrant hope and courageous collective resolve to rise to the challenges we face.

]]> DCN submission to the March 2017 Budget https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-submission-to-the-march-2017-budget/ Fri, 20 Jan 2017 11:12:15 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1053 The DCN has submitted a representation to HM Treasury ahead of the 2017 March Budget timetabled for 8 March.   This response focuses primarily on the greater role districts can play in driving housing and economic growth.

DCN Budget Submission March 2017

]]> DCN Autumn Statement 2016 Briefing https://www.districtcouncils.info/dcn-autumn-statement-2016-briefing/ Thu, 24 Nov 2016 10:19:11 +0000 https://districtcouncils.info/?p=1002 District Councils’ Network on the day member briefing responding to the 2016 Autumn Statement.

]]>