Rate deferment scheme starts
Author: Local Government Chronicle |
From today, businesses in England are able to apply to their local council to defer part of their 2009-10 business rates bills.
New provisions mean:
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business ratepayers can apply to their local council to put off 3% of their whole year’s rates bill
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those who accrued a rise in their bill because transitional relief has come to an end can now defer 60% of the increase
Councils are sending out a one-page application form with details of how to apply for this scheme and small business rate relief to every ratepayer in England.
Businesses that submit their application during August can expect their bills to be reduced by October at the latest.
Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said: “The business rates deferral scheme will provide real help now to businesses facing financial pressures in the current climate.