SMALL businesses in Richmondshire are
being encouraged to take advantage of relief which could save them
hundreds of pounds on their business rates.
As part of a series of measures being
developed to help the district's businesses, Richmondshire District
Council is working to raise awareness of the Small Business Rate
Relief (SBRR) scheme.
Earlier this month, the Council axed
all parking charges in its car parks right up to Christmas Day.
Further initiatives are planned to lessen the impact of the
nationwide economic downturn.
The SBRR is a national scheme,
introduced in 2005. Eligible businesses with rateable values of
below £5,000 may get 50 per cent rate relief on their liability.
Those with rateable values of up to £10,000 will also benefit, on a
sliding scale. Businesses with a rateable value of over £10,000 and
below £15,000 may also benefit from paying a lower rate
poundage.
However, businesses that receive the
relief will be reviewed in line with the publication of the new
rating list every five years.
Councillor Fleur Butler, Richmondshire
District Council's Prosperous Communities spokesperson, said: "Rate
relief for small businesses was only introduced in 2005, and some
people may not have realised they are entitled to it. However,
ratepayers could save hundreds of pounds, so it is very important
that they get in touch if they think may be missing out."
There are certain eligibility
criteria, so business owners are being urged to contact the
Council's Revenues and Benefits Team to find out more about the
SBRR scheme. They can also contact the Economic Development Team
for further business advice. The phone number is 01748 829100.