The scrapping of business rates for some small businesses has been welcomed by commercial property experts at FSS who say it will bring a much-needed boost to the local high street.
As the region’s biggest commercial rental specialist, FSS works closely with businesses to help them accurately assess and check the rateable value of their properties.
Dan Brumfitt of FSS said retailers and other independent businesses in the Harrogate district had been struggling with high rates for too long.
“In the face of low footfall and ongoing economic challenges, we are delighted that shops, cafes, restaurants and other leisure and hospitality businesses will not have to pay business rates if their premises have a rateable value up to £51,000.
“The move will really help to take the pressure off for them and make it much easier for the town centres of Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge to keep serving their communities through the current crisis.
“We have long been calling for a full review of the business rates system and we still hope this will still happen later in the year,” added Dan.
Dan said other measures announced by the chancellor, including support for employees’ sick pay and a £3000 cash grant for businesses that don’t pay business rates, was further good news for the local economy.
“We talk to small businesses every day and we know how hard it has been for them to keep their doors open,” said Dan.
“These measures are a clear signal that the government is willing to support them and that in itself will hopefully generate confidence.”