Irate about business rates?  Small business?  Read on...

Thousands of pounds of Government funding is potentially being missed out on by South Hams’ small businesses, statistics by South Hams District Council have revealed.

Previous work by South Hams District Council to highlight Small Business Rate relief has achieved a take-up of only 50% which, while it’s higher than the national average, still means that 50% of you could be paying too much.  Potentially, more than 1,500 eligible businesses are still failing to make the most of available funding of up to £1,100 per business - which would make a real contribution to reducing costs.

SHDC’s Revenue Services Manager, Jill Dudley, said: “We know that there are many small businesses across the district which are hard pressed financially, and costs are invariably on the increase.  It is a shame not to take full advantage of this rate relief when it is available.  We have publicised it before, but we need to raise its profile once again.  I would encourage all small business owners, running a sole business, who aren’t already in receipt of the relief to contact us to see if they qualify.  Please contact the Council’s Customer Services Team on 01803 861234 or download the information and an application form below.”

Small Business Rate Relief application form and information

Devon Regional Organiser for the Federation of Small Business, Delia Colegate, said: “A business has nothing to lose by contacting their local council. In fact they could see their non-domestic rates bill slashed by up to half!

“Running a small business is never easy and we would always urge bosses to take advantage of any Government funding that is available to them.”

Nationally, just 48% of small businesses have applied for relief with potentially around £400million left unclaimed in England.

The Leader of the Council is urging small businesses to contact South Hams urgently to see how much rate relief they could be entitled to.

Ends