More government help for catering businesses

Caterers and hoteliers across England can apply to their local council to postpone part of this year's business rates bill thanks to a unique government scheme.

The scheme, open for applications tomorrow (31st July), by Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton means that:

All business ratepayers can apply to their local council to put off 3 per cent of their whole year's 2009/2010 business rates bill. So, if a yearly bill is £5,000, ratepayers will be able to postpone paying £150.

Those who accrued a rise in their bill because transitional relief has come to an end can now defer 60 per cent of the increase.

To make the most of this unique scheme ratepayers should apply as soon as possible, as once approved they will pay reduced instalments for the remainder of the financial year or until payment is complete.

Those who submit their application next month can expect to see their bills reduced by October at the latest.

A simple one page application form is being sent to all businesses by their local councils, with details of how to apply for both these deferrals and small business rate relief.

Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said: "Caterers and hoteliers across England can now apply to their council for new Government help. Letters are already on their way to every ratepayer explaining how to apply for this new scheme, as well as details of existing help for small businesses that could potentially halve their total bill.

"This is on top of other help for business from Government, including free business health checks, skills training, and help for almost 100,000 large businesses to defer over £1.7bn in other taxes."

For further details of the full range of support and information available to businesses visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/realhelp or speak to a BusinessLink adviser on 0845 600 9006.

Words: Clare Riley

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