Shop owner fights back over double whammy rates rise
A SHOPKEPER has taken his fight over business rates to a tribunal.
Yati Mayor runs Mayor’s Sports and Menswear shop on Dumbarton Road in Scotstoun but said an increase in his rates will force him out of business.
Mr Mayor said internet competition is already putting pressure on shops and believes more help is needed to keep local businesses trading.
He said his rates have more than doubled after a revaluation, from £274 a month to £619.
The rateable value of his shop has increased from £11,200 to £17,200.
Mr Mayor said this not only increases his rates but puts him over a discount threshold meaning he previously got a 50 per cent discount and now he only gets 25 per cent on the higher rates.
He said: I’m in a situation where they have increased the rates to an extent where they now lower the discount.”
He told the hearing: “Shops in Glasgow have been hammered by the internet taking over.
“A shop like ours only survives because people can come in and speak to a person face to face.
“If you are giving reductions to internet companies on rates it is going to have an effect on shops.”
The council’s evaluators told the hearing how the valuation was worked out based on the size of the shop and applying the level set by the Scottish Government and also taking into account local rental value.
Mr Mayor has been running his shop for 22 years but said he may not survive the increase coupled with the challenge to local shops from internet businesses.
He said others in the area also had increases and many shops will face difficulties.
Mr Mayor added: “We are all independent businesses and we are all struggling.”
“I do not mind paying rates. I want to pay my fair share but the system is totally unfair. We are treated like cash cows.”
He said he can’t increase prices too much or he will lose loyal customers.
He is worried the increase will end an almost 50 year family connection in the area
The shopkeeper said his father, Yagdutt, who owned three shops in the same row, was forced to close the business and retire because of an increase in rates.
The shops, a fixture on Dumbarton Road for decades, closed earlier this year.
Mr Mayor added: I’m not giving up. I can’t afford to give up.”
A decision of the panel is expected in a few weeks time.