Aylesbury businesses to benefit from rate relief

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet has agreed to implement a government scheme to provide up to £1,000 of annual rate relief during 2014/15 and 2015/16 to businesses occupying retail properties with a rateable value of £50,000 or less.

There are around 700 businesses in Aylesbury Vale that could benefit and the total amount of relief provided could reach about £1 million in the two-year period.

The retail premises qualifying for the relief include shops, opticians, post offices, car and caravan show rooms, markets, petrol stations, garden centres, funeral directors together with premises such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and coffee houses.

Councillor Neil Blake, Leader of the Council said: “We are very pleased to support this new scheme which will provide much needed relief to around 700 businesses. These businesses are the lifeblood of our district, providing essential services to residents and visitors and boosting the economy and prosperity of Aylesbury Vale.”

For existing business rate payers, where the council already holds information, the relief will be automatically awarded to qualifying businesses so that they will not need to complete an application form. However, if qualifying firms have not received a revised bill by the end of July, they should contact the council. The council will be reimbursed from the government for administering the relief.

For details about business rates and business support provided by the council, please visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/business.

You can also find more information about business rates and other business related  issues at  Buckinghamshire Business First’s online support tool.

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