South Holland small businessess reeling from hike in rates bill

Steve Timewell, director and owner of Lincs Computers in Clover Way, Wygate Park, warned that the “crippling” rise could have ramifications.

“This is totally unacceptable,” he said. “There is no way that this business can sustain such a huge increase – if we are extorted to pay this then it will likely result in three more unemployed people in Spalding.
“I could put our prices up and make customers pay it but why should we? We already have a job to compete with online shops and people doing our job illegally from their bedroom.
“One has to ask if it’s actually worth being in business at all.”

The rises follow a revaluation of properties’ rateable values, last done in 2008.
Business rates are set by central government, with local councils the billing authority. The government is launching three relief schemes.

Early indications are that 31 of South Holland’s 2,712 businesses could benefit from the supporting small businesses relief aimed at those who are losing some or all of their small business or rural rate relief. The 31 look set to receive a total entitlement of £47,342.66 in year one.

South Holland District Council said on Tuesday: “Whilst we are still awaiting formal guidance on the operation of this scheme we are working hard to identify those rate payers affected and will be contacting them shortly.”

Meanwhile, a new relief scheme for pubs with a rateable value below £100,000 is expected to lead to 32 licensed premises in South Holland receiving a £1,000 discount on their bill.

And councils will get a  slice of £300m government funding to develop discretionary relief schemes to deliver targeted support to the most hard-pressed rate payers.