Owners of small and medium sized businesses which may qualify for rate relief under new Government plans are being urged to apply as quickly as possible.
West Oxfordshire District Council is writing to local firms to explain proposals announced in the Budget following a business rates revaluation of properties and to encourage applications for relief.
The relief scheme includes support to small and medium sized businesses facing large increases of more than £600 a year. Up to £1,000 discount is also available for qualifying public houses with a rateable value of under £100,000.
There will be also be a discretionary fund to assist businesses with a rateable value of less than £200,000 and facing an increase of over £600 this year.
Cllr Toby Morris, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This relief will be a major benefit for small and medium sized businesses in West Oxfordshire and we want to encourage as many applications as possible.
“Once we have received applications, we will review eligibility criteria and decide on relief amounts as soon as we can.
“As yet, we can’t say exactly when the relief will be applied as we are still waiting for the government to clarify all aspects of the scheme. But we are encouraging businesses to apply before 31 July so that we can award discretionary payments as soon as possible afterwards.”
Any business owners who have not received a letter and think they may be eligible for relief should contact the council on 01993 861070. For more information, see http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business/business-rates/rate-relief/