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<p>The Government is preparing guidance to support local authorities ahead of the
rollout of the £1.5 billion business rates relief fund. The final guidance, its specifics
and level of prescription, will reflect considerations including the existing framework
of Government support, information held by local authorities and their capacity to
administer the scheme.</p><p> </p><p>This discretionary relief pot will support businesses
on the basis of their actual economic exposure to COVID-19 rather than the pandemic’s
hypothetical impact on property rental values. The alternative of prolonged litigation
and appeals through the Material Change of Circumstance provision could have taken
years. The Government will support local authorities to enable ratepayers to apply
for relief awards as soon as possible this year, once the legislation relating to
Material Change of Circumstance provisions has passed, and local authorities have
set up local relief schemes.</p>
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