Relief for small businesess

Date published: 08/06/2009

Small businesses in Stockport are being encouraged to claim the business rate relief they are entitled to, as part of the Stockport Boost campaign.

The Small Business Rate Relief Scheme offers businesses with a rateable value of less than £15,000, a cut in their business rates of up to 50%. From April 1st, the removal of restrictions by the government means that more businesses are eligible.

Over 2,600 small businesses in Stockport are already receiving rate relief and it is hoped that all businesses eligible for the scheme will benefit from it as soon as possible.

Business ratepayers must apply for the scheme and to qualify they must fulfil several criteria. To find out more, contact the Council's Business Rates team on 0845 128 3934 or log on to the Council website at www.stockport.gov.uk and follow the links for more information and to download an application form.

Heather Edwards, the Council's Service Director for Business Services, said: "The economic downturn has affected businesses throughout the borough, but it is often small companies that suffer most. The Small Business Rate Relief Scheme offers a welcome reduction in overheads and I would encourage all those that are entitled to the relief to claim it. Through our Stockport Boost campaign we are committed to doing everything we can to help small businesses ride out the recession and boost our local economy."