Our local Bath MP, Don Foster, has become a signatory to a Parliamentary Bill that would see Small Business Rate Relief paid automatically to those businesses that qualify.   The Small Business Rate Relief (Automatic Payment) Bill is supported by the Federation of Small Businesses as well as a host of other organisations, including: 

• National Federation of Sub Post Masters
• Local Government Association
• Association of Convenience Stores
• National Federation of Retail Newsagents
• Campaign for Real Ale

Small businesses are an important part of the economy.  We are lucky in Bath to have a number of independent businesses, such as many of those on Moorland Road, which adds to the unique flavour of the city.

This relief on business rates could make a massive difference to a number of small businesses, yet we know that in Bath and North East Somerset there is currently £1million of rate relief unclaimed.  This Bill will ensure that small businesses receive the money that is earmarked for them, and we are delighted that Don Foster supports it.

In the meantime we hope that the Council will continue to promote this rate relief to small businesses and ensure the maximum possible take up.