Business Rates bills hit doormats across Wrexham as more business eligible for relief will get awards next month

Contrary to the belief of some on social media Wrexham Council do not set business rates, but collect them.

We asked the council for pointers for reliefs that are in place for those getting bills.

Mark Owen, Head of Finance at Wrexham Council, said: “The key relief this year is the new High Street Retail Relief which will be introduced from 01/04/2019 and provides up to £2,500 relief to occupied retail properties which meet a certain criteria.

“We have already identified approximately 250 eligible businesses and this relief will be showing on their annual business rates bills and further awards will be made by the end of April 2019. The Welsh Government’s guidance booklet for this relief is attached.”

Previously there had been issues with rates bills, and had been made aware of some bills with relief already applied, but others potentially eligible for relief having to claim back, and asked if there had been any issues.

The council told us, “Regarding delays to updated bills, we are aware of software issues which affected updates last year – however, we are not aware of any issues in respect of this year’s bills.”

We asked Wrexham’s Assembly Member for comment as Welsh Government sets the business rates multiplier and have offered several relief packages for some business rate payers over the years.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Challenging economic conditions and competition from internet and out-of-town shopping centres are undoubtedly having an impact on traditional high street retailers in Wrexham and across the country.”

“The Welsh Government does not set or calculate business rates but every year it provides more than £210m to help businesses pay their rates bills.”

“After inviting Mark Drakeford AM, the then Cabinet Secretary for Finance, to meet with local business representatives last November, the following month an additional £26m was announced to enhance and extend the high street rates relief scheme. Around 15,000 businesses across Wales will receive support to pay their rates bills from next month and further information can be found on the Business Wales website.”

“As well as providing short to mid-term relief, the Welsh Government is currently considering wider and longer-term questions about business rates, including whether different approaches to property valuation in Wales are viable. It is important ratepayers are supported and public services are strengthened and I will continue to make representations and monitor the situation.”

As always with any type of bill, it is worth double checking the amounts and if you are eligible for any relief, and if so, is that possible to be backdated as well.

Rates bills came with the below FAQ, and Wrexham Council also sent us a PDF copy of this guidance: High_Street_and_Retail_Rates_Relief_in_Wales_2019-20_-_Guidance, as well as sign posting people to this page on the Welsh Government website.