RATINGS OFFICE MUST PLAY FAIR WITH SMALL BUSINESSES - BURT
May 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Lorely Burt, Liberal Democrat MP for Solihull and Small Businesses Spokesperson, has called upon Solihull Business Rate chiefs to play fair with small businesses in Dicken's Heath village centre.
Owners of So-Travel were devastated to discover that their rates turned out to be more than double the Rateable Value that had been estimated for them.
Lorely Burt commented,
"The Walters did a very professional business plan based on their estimated valuation and now Solihull are demanding more than double this amount.
"In fact, because their rate has been valued at more than £15,000 this fledgling new business is being clobbered twice over because they will not be eligible for any rate relief."
Claire Walters added,
"The Business Rate people are making us pay full whack for a partially constructed village with very little passing trade.
"The rates here are vastly more than the Mailbox in Birmingham!"
Blythe Councillor Len Cresswell explained,
"Dicken's Heath is not yet an attractive place to shop. Until some serious thought has gone into solving the parking problems and installing everyday amenities, like a post box, then the businesses here shouldn't have to pay the full rate."
ENDS
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