Despite the current economic climate, the Conservative Council is seeking to impose 40% rent rises on some local businesses.  “Short ‘n Curlys” hairdresser on Lower Borough Walls and neighbour Bath Pet Centre were both informed their rent would be going up massively. 

Thanks to intervention from the Lib Dems, Short ‘n Curlys were able to negotiate a rent increase of only 5% instead. 

After meeting with local business owners in January, Bath MP Don Foster proposed an 8-point plan to boost the local economy based on what business owners said they needed. The plan included asking the Council to conduct appropriate rent reviews.  Don said, “It is quite simply outrageous that the Council is asking local businesses to fork out an extra 40% for rent at this time. 

“Such a rise could well force many businesses to close their doors for good, and leave Bath with a number of empty units.  The Council has to realise that keeping a customer is easier than finding a new one.  They must conduct sensible rent reviews unless they want to turn Bath into a ghost town.” 

Lib Dem Councillor Will Sandry helped challenge the rent increase and made sure that B&NES talked to the business.  He said, “I find it quite bizarre that the Council is demanding these staggeringly high rent increases, but then is prepared to negotiate to a substantially lower level. ”

The Council risks putting a number of local shop outs of business if it continues on like this.  They must follow the suggestion put forward by Don, and conduct sensible reviews.  How many businesses will know they can negotiate down their rent in this way?

Clive Walden, owner of ‘Short ‘n Curlys’ said, “If my rent had gone up by 40% I think that might have been the end of my business.  That kind of rise is not realistic at this time.  The Council needs to realise the true value of local businesses.”