Local Government Finance Act 1988

Non-domestic rating contributions E+W

4 (1) The Secretary of State may make regulations containing rules for the calculation of an amount for a chargeable financial year in relation to each [F1 billing authority] (to be called its non-domestic rating contribution for the year). E+W

(2) The rules shall be so framed that the amount calculated under them in relation to an authority is broadly the same as the total which, if the authority acted diligently, would be payable to it in respect of the year under sections 43 and 45 above.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) above shall not apply in the case of a special authority, but the rules shall be so framed that the amount calculated under them in relation to the authority is broadly the same as the total which would be payable to it in respect of the year under sections 43 and 45 above if—

[F2 (a) the authority’s non-domestic rating multiplier and small business non-domestic rating multiplier for the year were equal respectively to the non-domestic rating multiplier and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier for the year, so far as relating to England, determined in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 7 above, and.]

(b) the authority acted diligently.

F3 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F4 (4A) The rules may include provision for such deductions as the maker of the rules thinks fit for the purpose of enabling an authority to retain part, or all, of so much of the total payable to it in respect of the year under sections 43 and 45 above as exceeds an amount determined for the authority by or under the rules.

(4B) Sub-paragraph (4A) above shall not apply in the case of a special authority.

(4C) Sub-paragraph (2) above shall have effect subject to sub-paragraph (4A) above.

(4D) The consent of the Treasury is required to the inclusion in regulations under this paragraph of provision under sub-paragraph (4A) above relating to England.]

(5) The Secretary of State may incorporate in the rules provision for deductions (of such extent as he thinks fit) as regards—

(a) the operation of sections 47 and 49 above;

(b) costs of collection and recovery;

(c) such other matters (if any) as he thinks fit;

and sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) above shall have effect subject to this.

F5 [(5A) The Secretary of State may also incorporate in the rules provision for the deduction, in the case of a special authority, of an amount determined by him for the year in relation to that authority; and sub-paragraph (3) above shall have effect subject to this.]

(6) Regulations under this paragraph in their application to a particular financial year (including regulations amending or revoking others) shall not be effective unless they come into force before 1 January in the preceding financial year.

[F6 (7) Sub-paragraph (6) above does not apply to regulations made only for the purpose of amending the rules to increase deductions as regards the operation of section 49 above for the whole or part of the financial year.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 4(1) substituted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(2)(with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F2 Sch. 8 para. 4(3)(a) substituted (25.11.2004) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), s. 128(3)(e), Sch. 7 para. 26(3); S.I. 2004/3132, art. 2(d) (with art. 4)

F3 Sch. 8 para. 4(4) repealed (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, ss. 104, 117(2), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(4), Sch.14 (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F4 Sch. 8 para. 4(4A)-(4D) inserted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 70(1), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

F5 Sch. 8 para. 4(5A) inserted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(5) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F6 Sch. 8 para. 4(7) inserted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 71(2), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

5 (1) This paragraph applies where regulations under paragraph 4 above are in force for a chargeable financial year [F7 and has effect subject to any provision made by virtue of paragraph 6(2A) below]. E+W

(2) By such time before the year begins as the Secretary of State may direct, a [F8 billing authority] shall calculate the amount of its non-domestic rating contribution for the year and shall notify the amount to the Secretary of State.

(3) If the authority fails to comply with sub-paragraph (2) above or if the Secretary of State believes the amount notified is not likely to have been calculated in accordance with the regulations he may make his own calculation of the amount; and where he makes such a calculation he shall inform the authority why he has done so and shall inform it of the amount calculated.

(4) The authority shall be liable to pay to the Secretary of State an amount (the provisional amount) equal to—

(a) that calculated and notified under sub-paragraph (2) above, or

(b) if sub-paragraph (3) above applies, that calculated by the Secretary of State under it.

(5) The authority shall pay the provisional amount during the course of the year, in such instalments and at such times as the Secretary of State may direct.

(6) After the year ends the authority shall—

(a) calculate the amount of its non-domestic rating contribution for the year,

F9 [(b) notify the amount so calculated to the Secretary of State

[F10 (ba) if it is an authority in England notify to the Secretary of State, and if it is an authority in Wales notify to the National Assembly for Wales, the amount of any deduction that in accordance with provision under paragraph 4(4A) above is made in calculating the amount mentioned in paragraph (a) above,] and

(c) arrange for the calculation [F11 , and the amount or amounts notifiable under paragraphs (b) and (ba) above,] to be certified under arrangements made by the Audit Commission for Local Authorities in England and Wales (the Commission).]

F12 [(6A) The Commission shall send a copy of the certification of the calculation and the amount [F13 or amounts] to the Secretary of State.]

(7) If the authority fails to comply with sub-paragraph (6) above by such time as the Secretary of State directs, he may suspend payments which would otherwise fall to be made to the authority under the relevant provisions (within the meaning given by paragraph 6(7) below); but if the authority then complies with the sub-paragraph he shall resume payments falling to be made to the authority under the relevant provisions and make payments to it equal to those suspended.

(8) If, at any time after the year ends, the Secretary of State receives notification from an authority under [F14 sub-paragraph (6)(b) above] above he shall—

(a) calculate the amount of the difference (if any) between the amount notified and the provisional amount, and

(b) if there is a difference, inform the authority of the amount of the difference.

(9) If the amount notified under [F14 sub-paragraph (6)(b) above] above exceeds the provisional amount the authority shall pay an amount equal to the difference to the Secretary of State at such time as he may direct.

F15 [(10) If the amount notified under sub-paragraph (6)(b) above is less than the provisional amount, the Secretary of State shall—

(a) if he believes that the amount so notified is not likely to have been calculated in accordance with the regulations under paragraph 4 above, inform the authority of his reasons for that belief;

(b) if he is not of that belief, pay to the authority, at such time as he decides with the Treasury’s approval, an amount equal to the difference between the amount so notified and the provisional amount.

(11) Sub-paragraph (12) below applies where—

(a) at any time after the year ends the Secretary of State has received both a notification from an authority under sub-paragraph (6)(b) above and a copy of a certification sent to him in relation to the authority under sub-paragraph (6A) above, and

(b) the amount which is certified by the certification to be the authority’s non-domestic rating contribution for the year (the certified amount) is different from the amount notified to the Secretary of State under sub-paragraph (6)(b) above.

(12) Where this sub-paragraph applies the Secretary of State shall—

(a) calculate the amount of the difference (if any) between the certified amount and the provisional amount, and

(b) if there is a difference, inform the authority of the amount of the difference.

(13) If at the time the Secretary of State makes the calculation required by sub-paragraph (12) above no payment has been made under sub-paragraph (9) or (10) above in relation to the amount notified under sub-paragraph (6)(b) above—

(a) sub-paragraphs (9) and (10) above shall not apply in relation to that amount, and

(b) sub-paragraph (14) below shall apply.

(14) Where this sub-paragraph applies—

(a) if the certified amount exceeds the provisional amount the authority shall pay an amount equal to the difference to the Secretary of State at such time as he may direct, and

(b) if the certified amount is less than the provisional amount the Secretary of State shall pay an amount equal to the difference to the authority, and the amount shall be paid at such time as he decides with the Treasury’s approval.

(15) Regulations under this sub-paragraph may make provision for financial adjustments to be made where at the time the Secretary of State makes the calculation required by sub-paragraph (12) above a payment has already been made under sub-paragraph (9) or (10) above in relation to the amount notified under sub-paragraph (6)(b) above; and the regulations may include provision—

(a) for the making of payments by the Secretary of State or the authority, and

(b) as to the time at which any such payment must be made.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Words added by Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42, SIF 81:1), s. 139, Sch. 5 para. 42(2)

F8 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 5(2) substituted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(6) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F9 Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 5(6)(b)(c) substituted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(7) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F10 Sch. 8 para. 5(6)(ba) inserted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 70(2)(a), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (with Sch. 2 para. 6)

F11 Words in Sch. 8 para. 5(6)(c) substituted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 70(2)(b), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (with Sch. 2 para. 6)

F12 Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 5(6A) inserted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(8) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F13 Words in Sch. 8 para. 5(6A) inserted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 70(3), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (with Sch. 2 para. 6)

F14 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 5(8)(9) substituted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(9) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F15 Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 5(10)-(15) substituted (6.3.1992) for para. 5(10) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(10) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 8 para. 5(4)(5)(7)(9)(10) modified by S.I. 1990/493, reg. 8(1) and by S.I. 1990/609, reg. 5(1)

Sch. 8 para. 5(4)(5)(7)(9)(10)(b)(14) modified (1.4.1993) by S.I. 1992/2996, reg. 4(1)

Sch. 8 para. 5(4)(5)(7)(9)(10)(b)(14) restricted (1.4.1993) by S.I. 1993/613, reg. 5(1)

6 (1) Any calculation under paragraph 5 above of the amount of an authority’s non-domestic rating contribution for a year shall be made in accordance with the regulations under paragraph 4 above. E+W

F16 [(2) Such a calculation shall be made on the basis of the information before the person making the calculation at the time he makes it; but the Secretary of State may make regulations—

(a) requiring a calculation under paragraph 5(2) or (3) above to be made on the basis of that information read subject to prescribed assumptions;

(b) enabling a calculation under paragraph 5(6) above to be made without taking into account any information as regards which the following conditions are satisfied—

(i) it is not reasonably practicable for the person making the calculation to take it into account; and

(ii) it was received by the authority after a prescribed date (which may be before or after the end of the year in question).]

[F17 (2A) Regulations under paragraph 4 above may incorporate in the rules provision for adjustments to be made in the calculation of the amount of an authority’s non-domestic rating contribution under paragraph 5(2) or 5(6) above, being adjustments to take account of relevant changes affecting the amount of the authority’s non-domestic rating contribution for an earlier year.

(2B) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2A) above, a change is a relevant change if it results from a decision, determination or other matter which (whether by reason of the time at which it was taken, made or occurred or otherwise) was not taken into account by the authority in the calculation under paragraph 5(6) above of the amount of its non-domestic rating contribution for the earlier year in question.]

(3) The power to give a direction under paragraph 5 above—

(a) includes power to revoke or amend a direction given under the power;

(b) may be exercised differently for different authorities.

(4) A direction under paragraph 5(5) above is ineffective unless given with the Treasury’s consent.

(5) The Secretary of State may make regulations providing that, once the provisional amount has been arrived at under paragraph 5 above as regards an authority for a financial year and if prescribed conditions are fulfilled, the provisional amount is to be treated for the purposes of that paragraph as being an amount smaller than it would otherwise be.

(6) Regulations under sub-paragraph (5) above may include—

(a) provision as to the re-calculation of the provisional amount, including provision for the procedure to be adopted for re-calculation if the prescribed conditions are fulfilled;

(b) provision as to financial adjustments to be made as a result of any re-calculation, including provision for the making of reduced payments under paragraph 5 above or of repayments.

[F18 (6A) Regulations made for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 4(7) above may include provision—

(a) for or in connection with the recalculation of the provisional amount for the financial year concerned, including provision for the procedure to be adopted for recalculation, and

(b) as to financial adjustments to be made, including provision for the making of reduced payments under paragraph 5 above or of repayments.]

(7) For the purposes of paragraph 5(7) above the relevant provisions are—

(a) paragraph 5(10) above,

[F19 (aa) regulations made for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 4(7) above,]

(b) regulations made under sub-paragraph (5) above, and

(c) [F20 paragraphs 12 and 15 below].

Textual Amendments

F16 Sch. 8 para. 6(2) substituted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 104, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 6(11) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

F17 Sch. 8 para. 6(2A)(2B) inserted by Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42, SIF 81:1), s. 139, Sch. 5 para. 42(3)

F18 Sch. 8 para. 6(6A) inserted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 71(3), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

F19 Sch. 8 para. 6(7)(aa) inserted (18.11.2003 for E., 27.11.2003 for W.) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 71(4), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 3(a) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

F20 Words in Sch. 8 para. 6(7)(c) substituted (6.3.1992) by 1992 c. 14, s. 117(1), Sch. 13 para. 86(3) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 6(2) amended (28.11.1994) by S.I. 1994/2825, reg. 33(3)

C3 Sch. 8 para. 6(6) modified (23.6.1992) by 1992 c. 46, s. 5(2) (with s. 8(1)); S.I. 1992/1486, art.2