Firms hit by Lancs town's road chaos CAN apply for rates relief
Rawtenstall businesses that believe they are being impacted by town centre road works can get advice on potential rates relief or other support from the Valuation Office Agency, Rossendale Council has said.
Business rate relief can be offered to firms impacted by major local disruption, including roadworks. Questions about potential help for Rawtenstall businesses were raised recently by David Gould, an optician and representative of the town's chamber of commerce, at Rossendale Council's cabinet and, separately, by some businesses in media interviews.
Mr Gould also called for better communications from councils, especially Lancashire County Council.
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At the cabinet, Rossendale Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said she understood many businesses were getting full rates relief. But the situation would be looked at.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has since asked Rossendale Council about business rates arrangements in Rawtenstall. A spokesperson said: "We would encourage businesses who feel they have be affected by the disruption to contact the Valuation Office Agency in the first instance. They can assess the impact on a business and provide advice on next steps."
The national Valuation Office Agency works on property valuations and taxation services for the government and local councils. This includes business rates paid by firms based on the commercial buildings they occupy, such as shops, cafes, pubs, offices and industrial buildings.
Business rates are officially called National Non-Domestic Rates. They are similar to council taxes paid by households, based on Westminster government policies and collected by local councils on the government's behalf.
Regarding the roadworks impact on town centre businesses and communication by authorities, the Rossendale Council spokesperson added: "We understand the frustrations, difficulties and disruptions faced by businesses as a result of the ongoing roadworks. These works are crucial but we fully appreciate the impact they may have on some businesses day-to-day operations.
"We raised concerns with Lancashire County Council, which is carrying out the works, earlier in the project about the county giving timely updates to businesses and we believe since then things have improved. We remain in regular contact with the county council and we will be working closely with it to ensure better and more timely communication is maintained throughout the project.
"In the long term, the roadworks currently being carried out are a key part of the town’s masterplan, which is designed to create a more accessible and vibrant town centre. We appreciate the understanding and co-operation from our local businesses, and we are confident that these improvements will ultimately benefit our businesses and community as a whole."
Meanwhile, a Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: "We are committed to minimising disruption as much as we can and our teams have been working hard to deliver the improvements.
"The gyratory works have been planned to minimise disruption as much as possible, including through the use of smart traffic signal technology, careful scheduling of work and restricting working hours to off-peak times. Notice is provided in advance of any works taking place to businesses directly affected, and on-site liaison teams are in place to address any concerns and respond to feedback.
"We will continue to work closely with Rossendale Council to provide regular updates and manage disruption as much as possible."