Rate relief fees set to rise as slump hits small firms

摘要

Ministers could be forced to increase the amount small businesses contribute to emergency rate relief next year, following a hike in the number of firms claiming assistance during the recession.Figures published by the CLG on 28 May show town halls estimate they will pay out ￡127m more in small business rate relief this year than they will receive from the Government to cover the cost of the scheme.The disparity in this year's figures is not unexpected, given the sharp economic downturn, but it will force CLG officials to cover the funding gap in future.