Don't miss out on rate relief

In the current economic climate, small firms in Halton are being urged to check

to see if they are entitled to a reduction in their business rates - and save

some money.

The Government introduced the Small Business Rate Relief scheme in 2005, to

reduce the amount of Non-Domestic Rates paid by small businesses.

Businesses with a rateable value of up to £10,000 may qualify for a reduction in

their rate bill. A business with a rateable value below £15,000 may be entitled

to have a lower multiplier used to calculate their bill.

This relief is only available to ratepayers occupying one property or one main

property and other additional properties, providing the additional properties

have rateable values of less than £2,200.

The aggregate value of all properties must be under £15,000.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board Member for Finance, Cllr Mike Wharton,

said: "If you think that you may be entitled, do not hesitate to apply.’’ Halton

Borough Council is currently able to backdate this relief to 1 April, 2007 for

any applicant qualifying for the relief.

Ratepayers satisfying the criteria, who wish to apply for this relief can obtain

an application form or further advice from Halton Borough Council, by

telephoning 0151 471 7500 or  emailing business.rates@halton.gov.uk.