MEMBERS of the Economy Overview and Scrutiny have said that the council should not look at reducing the amount of rate relief for charities.
The committee met on Tuesday, February 2, but before discussions could begin, a number of councillors had to leave the room because of their interests in various charities.
The Council currently gives a mandatory rate of 80% which is funded by the Welsh Government and also has discretion over whether or not to award a 20% supplement.
In December 2014, the Council’s Cabinet met to discuss the possibly reduction or removal of the 20% supplement and a consultation exercise was undertaken.
A report concluded that the reduction of the 20% relief for a charity like P.A.T.C.H. would mean they could have to cease their charitable activities.
Cllr Jonathan Nutting said: “If we do it for one, we must do it for all. We could take the 20% back but we are not intending to do that.
“We could reduce this by 10% and that way everybody would take the pain together.”
Cllr David Lloyd added: “I am full of admiration of the desire to look at every area of expenditure and make savings.
“This provides a hurdle for us. These charities are there for a given purpose and we need to ensure the purpose of the charitable status for the vulnerable in our society.
“I feel that this is completely wrong to go down this route to seek savings from this area.”
Cllr Gwilym Price said: “There is a reason why we support these charities. Any hit they are going to take is not welcomed.”
The committee voted that the rate relief should not be reduced or removed but Cllr Nutting voted against as he felt there should have been a reduction.
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