Dover Council May Sue Discovery Park Over £1 Million in Unpaid Rates

Discovery Park claimed vacant units serve as worship sites. This claim aims to avoid paying business rates. The park insists it supports its workforce’s needs and seeks a tax exemption for places of worship. Dover District Council disagrees with Discovery Park and is considering High Court action.

The council wants to recover over £1 million. The dispute covers roughly two years and involves more than 60 units. Kay Marsh raised the issue with the council head, asking if Discovery Park owed millions.

Kevin Mills confirmed the situation in writing, noting the worship claim for many units. The council rejects this rate avoidance plan and sent business rates bills to Discovery Park. They now plan court enforcement.

Worship places in England and Wales get rate exemptions. This applies to the Church of England and Wales. The General Register Office can certify other places. The exemption does not cover private places.

Discovery Park houses 180 businesses that employ over 3,500 people. The park is talking with the council hoping for a good solution for all. They say they repurposed vacant units to meet diverse workforce needs.

The park says it follows Faithful guidelines, an interfaith group supported by councils. The park submitted all needed paperwork and wants to work well with the council. They aim to grow the area’s economy.

Kay Marsh wanted a Gaza charity donation, asking for £20,000 from council funds This equaled business rates paid by Instro Precision. Instro Precision makes military gear, and some say Israel uses its equipment.

The council head rejected Marsh’s donation request. Marsh now wants a small charity donation using recovered Discovery Park rates, to help those hurt by Gaza issues.