DCLG (now MHCLG) published a consultation on the Government’s proposal to allow Local Authorities to retain 100 per cent of the business rates they raise. The aim of this fiscal devolution is to provide communities with the financial independence, stability and incentives to push for local growth, and the consultation seeks to identify some of the issues that should be kept in mind when designing the reforms. While the consultation contained no specific mention of charities, and only limited references to reliefs, this was another opportunity to remind the Government of the importance of protecting the 80% mandatory charity relief.

This consultation has now closed. In February 2017, the Government published a summary of responses document.