I ask what measures will Leitrim County Council Finance Dept be putting in place for the businesses of Leitrim now closed or trading with a much reduced income due to guidelines being adhered to during the Covid19 pandemic. Business income has been decimated for 2020. What calculations have been made by the Finance Department regarding this income. What percentage of businesses in the county have closed since mid March? What percentage have remained trading? What types of response has the recent letter inviting conversations with staff in Finance re outstanding Rates moiety due received
Minutes:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that Motion No 5 in the name of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Motion No 8 in the name of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn be taken concurrently as they all relate to commercial rates. This was agreed by the Members.
Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire;
"I ask what measures will Leitrim County Council Finance Dept be putting in place for the businesses of Leitrim now closed or trading with a much reduced income due to guidelines being adhered to during the Covid19 pandemic. Business income has been decimated for 2020. What calculations have been made by the Finance Department regarding this income. What percentage of businesses in the county have closed since mid March? What percentage have remained trading? What types of response has the recent letter inviting conversations with staff in Finance re outstanding Rates moiety due received?"
Report by Head of Finance & Water Services
"Leitrim County Council in tandem with all other Local Authorities are engaging with Central Government to highlight the concerns of local Commercial Ratepayers arising from the crisis, coupled with the projected financial impact on the provision of local services. There have been a relatively small flow of queries from Commercial Ratepayers, however it is understood by all that a national response will be necessary and expected to address the concerns of Ratepayers and the Local Authority. As you can appreciate it is difficult to quantify the current level of business activity due to the lockdown requirements on our own staff, where such inspections would not be considered an essential service. However, evidence to date would indicate that the situation is significantly more complex than simply open versus closed as some businesses, while open, are trading within the range of 5% to well beyond 100% where demand has changed. Leitrim County Council are currently preparing financial estimates of the impact which will form part of a broader sectoral submission to Central Government in the coming days. However such projections are premature and can only become useful when based upon a Central Government framework and methodology for addressing the concerns of Ratepayers and the Local Government Sector."
Motion from Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn;
"I ask the Chief Executive if he could give myself and members here, any information he and his fellow Chief Executives may have received from Department of Housing and Local Government on any proposals or schemes to allow businesses that are currently closed due to Covid 19 to request a "rates write off" for the period they are closed or non operational? Government must ensure that none of the financial losses are carried by this or any local authority."
Report by Head of Finance & Water Services
"To date no further information or correspondence has been received from the Department, other than the initial deferral of rates until after 31st May. The situation will require a national response and the Local Government Sector continue to highlight the concerns of Ratepayers and Local Authorities in this regard to Central Government. Leitrim County Council are currently preparing financial estimates of the impact which will form part of a broader sectoral submission to Central Government in the coming days. However such projections are premature and can only become useful when based upon a Central Government framework and methodology for addressing the concerns of Ratepayers and the Local Government Sector."
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire paid tribute to the staff of Leitrim County Council, the public for their adherence to the restrictions and she expressed her empathy for all staff who are working remotely from home and students who are studying for their leaving Certificate. Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire outlined that when you walk down your nearest town businesses are now closed or trading with a much reduced income due to guidelines being adhered to during the Covid19 pandemic. Their income has been decimated for 2020.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire highlighted that there are several people in Carrick on Shannon who will make cotton face masks for a contribution and not for a profit if they are needed.
Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn sought clarification on the announcement by the Government in relation to the measures to support businesses impacted by COVID-19 and on the number of employees a small business employs in order to qualify for a grant.
Mr Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services advised there is limited information available in relation to the measures to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. as it was only announced over the weekend. Mr Dwyer stated evidence to date would indicate that the situation is significantly more complex than simply ‘open versus closed’ as some businesses, while open, are trading within the range of 5% to well beyond 100% where demand has changed. Leitrim County Council are currently preparing financial estimates of the impact which will form part of a broader sectoral submission to Central Government in the coming days. However such projections are premature and can only become useful when based upon a Central Government framework and methodology for addressing the concerns of Ratepayers and the Local Government Sector.
Mr Vincent Dwyer said if the issue of rates is not addressed nationally each local authority will have to pursue these rates and this will be very difficult. The CCMA are currently working on this issue.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly said financial supports are available for businesses who are employing up to 10 people or less.