Tuesday 19 January 2010

Joint Press Release: PAYMENT OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES FOR BUSINESSES IN THE WELLS AREA

Joint Press Release


Cllr Christina Borastero
Cllr John Osman
Cllr Sally Robinson (also Chairman of Chamber of Commerce)
Cllr Simon Davies

eMail: spdavies@btinternet.com

11 JAN 10

PAYMENT OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES FOR BUSINESSES IN THE WELLS AREA

The above have joined together to campaign for a delay in the payment of Non-Domestic Rates for local business.

The Non-Domestic Rates are paid annually by businesses in the same way the Council Tax is paid ie over a ten month period. What we are campaigning for the ten month payment period be extended to twelve months for this financial year.

Commentating on the campaigning, Cllr Sally Robinson said “many small businesses were shut over the Christmas period and then they had to shut due to the weather conditions. This has put a lot of pressure on businesses as people just haven’t been out to the shops in what is normally a quiet sales period anyway”.

Cllr Christina Borastero continued “this will make a big difference to several small businesses and their cash flow. We are not asking for a reduction in the rates, just an opportunity to pay over a longer period, but within this financial year”.

On the broader economic front, Cllr Simon Davies said “in what is still a difficult economic situation, businesses deserve as much help from the authorities as possible – especially since small business in this area are by far the largest employer.

John Osman, Councillor for Wells, Mendip and Somerset said “I always want to support businesses, so I gladly support this idea to assist local small businesses in moving forward”.

The campaign was backed by David Heathcoat-Amory MP, who said “It's an excellent idea to spread the payment of business rates over a full year. We must counter this recession by helping small businesses survive and prosper. Local authorities and the public sector must help, and this idea is a good start.”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Simon, I keep popping back to see if you've added to this yet. Folks are reading even if they ain't postin'!

I hope you'll pop over to Wellspeople.co.uk soon to share some of your views over there? If you felt like including it on your list of 'Media covering Wells' that would be fab It's owned by the same people who bring you your weekly Journal fix.

I am also looking for a regular blogger who is knowledgeable and a well-loved part of Wells....

All the best Simon,
Jaqui Strevens