Decision details

A discretionary policy for the administration of the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) was agreed through a Portfolio Holder decision in March 2022.

The Ipswich Borough Council CARF allocation is £3,598,057. So far only £139,877.32 has been awarded. As a consequence, and in line with the policy, a review has been undertaken to ensure that the allowance is allocated to ratepayers in a manner consistent with Government policy / rules associated with the Scheme.

The Ipswich Borough Council Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund Policy 2020/21 has been updated (see attached) to allow a direct award of relief, the value of which will be set to ensure all the allocation is awarded. This is currently an award of 30% of net rates payable, capped at a maximum £24,000. This is anticipated to result in an award of £3,575,071 to 850 ratepayers. However, this will be further adjusted should any of the funding remain unallocated.

Reason: To enable the Council to effectively administer the new CARF allowance and ensure relief is awarded within the required time frame.

Note: This decision is certified as being exempt from call-in to enable the Policy to be implemented and relief awarded within the limited time scale imposed by the Government.