Decisions made at Full Council meeting – 24 October 2017

Councillors agreed that Harborough District Council should bid to be a part of a government pilot scheme on business rates, along with all other local authorities in Leicestershire, which – if successful – would see councils retain more of the business rates collected. Business rates are charged on most non-domestic properties such as shops, offices, pubs and factories. Local authorities – such as Harborough District Council – collect the business rates locally.  The bid seeks to retain further funds within Leicestershire to support economic growth and housing. The pilot would initially run for one year from 1 April 2018 with the possibility that it could be extended. Since 2013, Harborough District Council has been the best performing council each year in respect of retained business growth in Leicestershire. The pilot bid, if successful, will build on this success and enable investment in infrastructure, town centres and to offset continued reduction in other Government funding. The government is expected to make a decision on successful bids later this year.

Leader of the Council Neil Bannister also announced his Executive portfolio holders which can be viewed below or via this link.

• Cllr Neil Bannister is the portfolio holder for Strategy and Communications.
• Cllr Phil King is the portfolio holder for Planning, Housing, Economic Development and Regeneration.
• Cllr James Hallam is the portfolio holder for Finance and Assets.
• Cllr Janette Ackerley is the portfolio holder for Wellbeing and Localities. 
• Cllr Michael Rickman is the portfolio holder for Community Safety.
• Cllr Richard Hadkiss is the portfolio holder for Corporate Governance.
• Cllr Jonathan Bateman is the portfolio holder for Environment and Regulatory Services.