Two charities have missed out on additional support after assessments found their finances to be healthy.

Charities already receive 80 per cent relief on their business rates but the authority can grant a further discretionary rate relief of 20 per cent.

The applications were discussed at the latest meeting of the cabinet portfolio holder for resources' decision session.

An application for Acorns Children's Hospice which has premises in the borough in Stratford Road, Shirley; St Johns Way, Knowle and Greenwood Way in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, was considered.

Councillors heard its shops offer recycled clothing, furnishings and furniture for sale, and the rate relief would be worth £4,013 to them.

But officers had assessed its finances and found granting further rate relief would not have a significant impact on the finances of the company.

And an application from Miss Macaroon, a regional social enterprise business based at Resorts World in Pendigo Way was also looked at.

The rate relief would be worth £6,370 to them, but a similar financial assessment made by officers reached the same conclusion.

Cllr Ade Adeyemo said: "With the likes of Acorns we see them every year.

"The reality is we have a very little amount of money we have to help organisations.

"It is a good thing they have a lot of money in the bank so I don't think it would be the right thing to be giving them more."

The cabinet portfolio holder, Cllr Dave Pinwell decided not to grant the relief saying: "We are all in agreement in regards to Acorns and Miss Macaroon.

"I fully sign up to the officer's recommendations."

The application of Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, which manages 40 acres of significant heritage landscape, caused the most debate.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported earlier this year it was turned down for further rate relief after officers assessed the organisation had "financial resilience".

Officers said the relief would be worth £366 to the Chester Road-based charity in its new application.

Cllr Adeyemo said: "Considering the amount we are talking about, I think we should just give it to them."

Cllr Jamie Campbell said: "I know the plans for the future, they need as much help as they can get plus more."

But the cabinet portfolio holder said he had "mixed feelings" on the application.

"It is a terrific facility," Cll Pinwell said.

"I have the concern that £366 – it is probably costing the council a lot more (in administrative costs). It probably costs them."

The councillor decided to give the relief but asked officers to pass on his concerns about the administration costs to the charity.

The meeting was held virtually on September 14.