DAVID KIDNEY CALLS ON GOVERNMENT, MPs & COUNCILS TO PROMOTE RATE RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

At Communities & Local Government Question Time today 18/11/2008 David Kidney called for action to help as many small businesses as possible get help with their business rates. He explains:

“There has been an entitlement to half rates for small businesses since 2005. while the process of claiming the relief is straightforward, it does have to be claimed. At Question Time today, I asked Hazel Blears to promote the relief widely and to enlist MPs and councils to join in.

“Cash flow is a serious problem for many small businesses right now, so when there is some help that is just there waiting to be claimed, we should all encourage its take-up.

“Hazel Blears was very positive in her answer to me and I want to urge local councils to promote this rate relief, I want business people to claim the relief if they are able.”

The questions on Theyworkforyou.com

For further information CONTACT David Kidney MP tel.
Mobile 07966 378844 or his office on 01785 224444

Background Information

An article on low take up of SBRR by the FPB

Article by MWP on SBRR

 Small business rate relief (SBRR) came into effect from 1 April 2005. Occupied properties with a rateable value (RV) of up to £5,000 receive relief of 50%. This relief decreases on a sliding scale of an estimated 1% for every £100 of RV between £5,000 and £10,000.

In addition, councils have a discretion to reduce or remit an amount owing for business rates where the council is satisfied that it will relieve hardship. A claim for hardship relief can be made by businesses of any size and can be up to 100%.

Phone numbers and contact details of the section of Stafford Borough Council where you should be able to find advice about SBRR are listed here. http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/static/page5142.htm

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