1,000 to benefit from rates relief extension

AROUND 1,000 businesses across Bridgend county borough are set to benefit from an extension by Welsh Government over the coming year to its retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme.

The Welsh Government’s temporary extension of the current Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme for 2021-22 will help eligible occupied properties by offering 100 per cent support to businesses within the retail, leisure and hospitality sector with a rateable value under £500,000. The types of premises included within the scheme includes shops, pubs and restaurants, gyms, performance venues and hotels. It will run alongside the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme.

In addition, under an Enhanced Hospitality and Leisure Rates Relief Scheme, eligible occupied businesses within the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector with a rateable value over £500,000 will also be able to benefit from the 100 per cent rates relief. These include hotels, holiday parks and sports stadiums.

It is estimated that around 1,000 eligible ratepayers across Bridgend county borough are set to benefit from having no rates to pay for the 2021-22 financial year under these schemes. Bridgend council cabinet members formally adopted the scheme at a meeting on Tuesday, April 6.

Businesses who benefitted from the scheme in 2020-21, and still meet the criteria, will have the rates relief automatically applied to their accounts, receiving a bill with the award detailed on it.

An application form will need to be completed for all new qualifying businesses which is on the council website.