House of Lords Advisor Slams Wrexham Council Over Business Rates Row

A key parliamentary advisor has described Wrexham Council as ‘out of tune with reality’ over their row with a family about the rateable value of their home.

Devon-based Dr John Potter is a member of the advisory board to the all party parliamentary group for entrepreneurship and microbusiness and has been championing the use of Redbrook Lodge in Whitchurch as an adult education centre.

However, as we reported last month owner Mark Layder is embroiled in a legal fight with Wrexham Council over their decision to class Redbrook as a hotel, rather than an educational establishment which would fall into a lower category for rates.

The row has been going on since Mr Layder converted Redbrook into his family home in 2004, a year after moving in with wife Ellen, and the family say it is costing them £10,000 a year.

They have stopped making payments and the council responded by calling in bailiffs and threatening to repossess the property.

Professor Potter believes the impasse is having a detrimental impact on the local economy.

He said: “Redbrook Lodge is a magnificent building and could be a major attraction if it was allowed to become an education centre for business owners.

“The ridiculous situation caused by the valuers and Wrexham Borough Council is stopping those business owners coming into the area and spending money with Whitchurch businesses.

“It could be resolved very quickly by changing the rateable value but the council officers are out of tune with reality.

“These people are supposed to serve us, not put obstacles in the way.

“It’s also flying in the face of government policy which is designed to encourage people to set up their own businesses and use educational establishments like these.”

Wrexham Cllr Rodney Skelland whose Bronington ward the lodge falls under said: “It’s very unfortunate it’s got to this stage, it should’ve been resolved years ago. I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Speaking to Wrexham.com last month Wrexham Council’s Head of Finance and Performance Mark Owen said: “Mr Layder and QOL Academy do have arrears of approximately £40,000 and the council have not received a statutory payment since January 2008. The council has given Mr Layder numerous opportunities to make reasonable payment and even placed a hold on his account to allow him to address the issues he has with the District Valuers Office.

“Unfortunately Mr Layder has been unable to resolve these issues. The council has followed the correct legal process in this matter and Mr Layder has been informed of this process every step of the way. This process culminated in the grant of a Liability Order from Wrexham Magistrates Court in February 2012.

“As Mr Layder did not follow advice given to him by the council following the granting of this order, his case was passed to the council’s bailiffs in April 2012 and they have conducted 3 visits since this date.

“Wrexham Council has a duty to all ratepayers to ensure that domestic and non-domestic rates are paid in line with statutory provisions.”