WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL’S support for small businesses during the regeneration works has been criticised by the Federation of Small Businesses.
The FSB argues that the council should have implemented a scheme that enables business rate relief measures announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in the spring budget.
Its research shows that fewer than half of eligible English councils have begun allocating their share of the £300 million business rates hardship fund launched six months ago by the Chancellor at the spring Budget.
The measures include helping pubs and offering small business support, which Wokingham Borough Council is offering, but the third measure – a discretionary rate relief scheme – the FSB says has yet to be implemented.
Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman, said: “The name and shame list is truly shocking. Thousands of small firms have received no support from local authorities despite being promised relief no less than six months ago.
“Anything less than every English council having every relief measure in place is unacceptable. Enough is enough. Any small firm running such an inefficient project would not survive.”
Cllr Oliver Whittle, Executive Member for Finance, 21st Century Council, Internal Services and Human Resources, defended the borough’s position.
He said: “Small businesses have been offered the services of Vail Williams by the Regeneration Team if they believe they have been affected by the works to help them apply for a rate reduction with the Valuation Office.
“Wokingham Borough Council also offers Discretionary Relief under our Section 47 Scheme, and has done so for a number of years, and relief is available to those businesses affected by unforeseen, or exceptional circumstances.
“Local authorities also have the discretion to offer grant relief of up to £1,000 to all occupied traditional pubs or public houses with a rateable value of less than £100,000 in 2017/18.
“The Business Rates Relief Scheme will be considered the Executive meeting on Thursday, January 25. Fire and police authorities will also need to be consulted.
“Any new relief schemes need to take into account the legal processes involved, such as the requirement for each council to design and administer their own schemes, and so the council needs time to devise a scheme policy.”
