Lib Dems gain Assembly supoprt for small business rate relief

11.16.06am GMT Thu 5th Feb 2009

Liberal Democrats at the East of England Regional Assembly today gained cross party support to lobby national Government in support of the automatic payment of rate relief to small businesses. Group Leader Kathy Pollard said "It is vital we do all we can to help small businesses at this time. Although measures were put in place in 2005 which entitle small businesses in England to claim up to 50% rate relief, less than half of them have applied. In 2006 the Local Government Association estimated that £400 million was left unclaimed - around £40 million for Essex alone. In Wales the payment is automatic and we are lobbying the Government to make the payment automatic in England as well."

The Liberal Democrats also urged District, Borough and Unitary councils to encourage small businesses in their own areas to apply for rate relief now. Lib Dem run Colchester Borough Council has improved take up to 84% by a series of proactive measures.

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