Angry traders appeal to council and MP as business rates go up by 50%
A GROUP of small business owners were shocked to discover their business rates are going up by 50 per cent. The angry traders, already hit by the recession, say the huge hike in rates could put many shops out of business.
The traders hastily arranged a meeting and called on the council and Eastbourne's MP for help.
At present, 11 Terminus Road shop units between the sea front and railway station are vacant.
Traders say many more will follow if they are forced to pay thousands of pounds a year extra.
Traders at the Langney Road end of Terminus Road are worst affected by the rise in rates following a valuation which took place last year.
Business rates are set by central government and a valuation takes place every five years. They are collected locally, administered centrally and re-distributed to the local council.
Darren Macey, owner of independent shoe shop Shu, said his rates will go up from 10,000 a year to 15,000 and said the valuation was done before retailers were hit by the recession and take no account of the downturn.
Anton Michaelson from independent furniture retailer Bo Peeps said his rates will go up from 14,700 to 22,800 a year.
He said he would not object to the increased rates if he knew he would get something for his money and called for cash to be spent on redeveloping the town.
Frustrated and angry, the business owners, who plan to form the Eastbourne Independent Traders Association, called a meeting and three days later, last Thursday (January 21), 19 shop owners and managers got together in the restaurant of TJ Hughes, along with Conservative MP Nigel Waterson, Cllr Margaret Bannister (Lib Dem), who represents Devonshire Ward, and town centre manager Chris Richards.
At the meeting Mr Michaelson said, "Traders are not in a position to afford to pay the business rate increase."
Nigel Waterson stated that it was a 'tragedy' that the plans for the redevelopment of the town fell apart.
He said, "It is clear that there is a huge amount of work to do to make Eastbourne attractive to shoppers."
Mr Macey said he was frustrated at the lack of help from the council. Mr Michaelson asked whether the council lobbied central government when they found out about the increased rates.
Eastbourne Borough Council leader Councillor David Tutt said after the meeting, "The government proceeded with their plan to increase business rates at a time when so many Eastbourne businesses are just starting to recover from the recession.
"It is badly timed, poorly judged and the last thing the economy in Eastbourne needs.
"I would urge business owners to contact the council to see if they qualify for any relief.
"This is an unacceptable double blow for Eastbourne residents and our business community.
"In addition to the burden for business owners, the increase will add 0.5% to council tax bills."
The business owners are now planning a campaign and say they will appeal.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Saturday 11 February 2012
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