RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       notes the progress made with the Freeport East Programme as set out in the joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance & Governance (A.2);

(b)       delegates the authority, acting on behalf of the Council as Billing Authority, to agree the final Freeport East Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the Deputy Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance;

(c)       approves and adopts TDC’s Freeport East Policy for Managing Retained Business Rates, as attached as Appendix B to item A.2 of the joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance & Governance;

(d)       approves and adopts the Freeport Business Rates Relief Policy, as attached as Appendix C to item A.2 of the joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance & Governance;

(e)       delegates authority to the Assistant Director (Finance & IT) to implement and administer the Business Rates Relief Policy as adopted; and

(f)        delegates authority to the Assistant Director (Finance & IT), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance and the Portfolio Holder for Housing to amend the scheme to reflect any emerging Government guidance / legislation.