From April, the government has decided to increase business rates for most local businesses – against a strong objection by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
The average rise will be 36 per cent – and some businesses could be hit even harder.
H&F Council is urgently advising those who run businesses to check they are not paying too much.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that while councils are legally obliged to collect business rates, they don’t set them,” said H&F Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Cowan.
“This is a government policy and not a consequence of any decision made by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.”
While the council can do nothing about the increase, it can help businesses ensure they are paying the correct rates.
There is a simple four-step process to check that you are paying the right amount:
- Go to GOV.UK - check your business rates evaluation.
- Find your property by postcode or address.
- Check that your property information is correct.
- If you think the information is incorrect, ask the Valuation Office Agency to update your records.
“We are working hard to put the factors in place to make Hammersmith & Fulham the best place to do business in Europe. And we see this change as anti-business and detrimental to our economy,” Cllr Cowan added.
