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2010-08-19 : Scottish Business urged to appeal ‘unfair’ business rate increases

 

Business owners whose rates bills rose following revaluation are being urged to lodge appeals against the increases before next month's deadline. Appeals can be made to the local assessor's office by 30th September.

Many small firms currently pay no rates under the Scottish government's small business bonus scheme, which came into effect in April 2010. Transitional relief however was scrapped for larger companies.

The Scottish Chamber of Commerce commented that following this year's non-domestic rates revaluation, many businesses have been left with increases in their bills of 50 to 100 per cent; in some cases over 200 per cent. At a time when economies are struggling to sustain renewed growth, the burden of sudden hikes in rates bills could damage businesses during this fragile period.

Successful appeals could result in businesses becoming eligible for rates relief and these reliefs can be backdated. The Scottish Chamber of Commerce are also lobbying the Scottish government for the reintroduction of transitional relief, saying that some Scottish firms were worse of than their English rivals.

If you feel your business valuation is wrong, call Ruddle Merz for a free review on 0800 883 0353.

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