FSB calls for rural firms to secure rate relief
Mon, 06 Jul 2009
Village shops and pubs could be lost forever unless urgent preventative action is taken, it has been warned.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says single shops, pubs, post offices and petrol stations in small rural settlements are not receiving vital local authority funding which could help them survive.
Under the existing Rural Rate Relief scheme, local authorities can allow up to 100 per cent business rate relief for small businesses, but the FSB says few currently offer above the mandatory 50 per cent level.
Worse still, the organisation adds, only 53 per cent of firms are currently obtaining any rate relief at all despite being entitled to it.
Linda Walton, rural affairs and tourism chairman at the FSB, said that despite shops and pubs closing every week, the Rural Rate Relief scheme, which was specifically set up to help these rural businesses, "is being chronically underused".
She added: "Village shops and pubs are at the heart of village life and the failure of such a business can devastate local communities.
"The Treasury must ensure our village shops and pubs do not go the same way as the Royal Show [to be staged for the 160th and final time this year] by enabling our local authorities to give 100 per cent rate relief during this downturn."
FSB members recently expressed their disappointment at the measures announced in Alistair Darling's Budget 2009, claiming little support had been offered for the sector.
How Microsoft can help
Use Excel 2007, part of the Office 2007 suite of applications, to gain a clearer insight into your finances. Get a free 60-day trial today.
More
Small Business Finance News
View all articles
|
|
