Three Solihull charities—The Children’s Storehouse (TCS), Uthink People Developing People (UPDP), and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens—have been denied additional discretionary business rates relief by Solihull Council.
While charities typically receive 80% relief on their business rates, they can apply for an extra 20% discretionary relief. Despite their vital community roles, the applications from these organizations were reviewed and ultimately rejected during a recent council portfolio holder decision session.
Councillor Bob Sleigh, the portfolio holder for resources, explained that the decision was based on a thorough financial assessment of each applicant’s situation.
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The Children’s Storehouse, which provides free quality children’s clothing to families in need, helped 486 families with 1,241 children between 2024 and 2025. Although TCS had previously been awarded relief, their current application for additional funding amounting to £2,297 was declined. Officers noted no new evidence justified separating TCS’s finances from Jubilee Church Solihull, with which it is affiliated. Given the church’s robust financial health, additional council support was deemed unnecessary.
Uthink People Developing People, which offers creative studio and gallery spaces at Birmingham Business Park, sought £9,858 in discretionary relief. However, with reserves totaling £467,000, the council concluded that the charity was financially secure, leading to the rejection of their request.
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, custodians of a 40-acre heritage landscape, applied for a modest relief of £366. Assessments revealed that their current reserves and cash holdings were sufficient, and the council determined that extra relief would not significantly impact their finances.
Councillor Sleigh emphasized the value and remarkable impact of all three organizations but confirmed that financial prudence and fairness guided the council’s decisions.
The virtual meeting took place on March 23.