New Business Rate levels in York

It looks like the new Business Rate levels announced by the government on Friday will have little effect in York.
Business rates

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In the main, business rates will increase in London and the south east.

The proposed new rate levels in the north of England are, at worst, steady but some areas – including Scarborough – are set to see reductions.

There were hopes that sub-urban shopping areas in York might benefit from lower rates but this has yet to be confirmed.

In Acomb, some long term empty properties do get a rates discount when brought back into use.

The York Council has so far made no comment on the new valuation lists which it received last week.

Business rates explained

All UK firms pay a tax on the shops, offices, warehouses and factories that they use. All businesses with properties that have a rateable value over £12,000 have to pay Rates. They are the third biggest outgoing for many small businesses after rent and staff costs.

Empty commercial properties brough back into use in Front Street are entitled to a Business Rates discount

Empty commercial properties brought back into use in Front Street are entitled to a Business Rates discount

Every five years the underlying value of properties is assessed to determine their “rateable value”.

That figure broadly represents the yearly rent – the rentable value – for which the property could be let. The revaluation published yesterday, is based on rentable values on 1 April 2015 and comes into effect on 1 April 2017

The rateable value is then combined with the “multiplier” – a figure set by the government each year – to determine the final bill.

When Business Rates are revalued the government provides a transitional arrangement, to help companies adapt. The transitional arrangement will limit the amount that bills will go up each year, offering a financial cushion that, in the first year, will apply to over 600,000 properties, according to the government.

At the moment, English authorities keep hold of 50% of locally-collected Business Rates. The other half goes into a central government pool and is redistributed back to the local authorities according to need.

The government is working towards allowing local authorities to keep 100% of business rates (with a proportionate reduction in other grants).

Last week in west York in pictures – 1st October 2016

The week started with another successful Acomb market. The event was attended by both Councillors Andrew Waller and Sheena Jackson. It was the last of the scheduled markets but we understand that the independent traders group Acomb Alive - whihc is chaired by Cllr Sue Hunter, have agreed to hold at least two more. They will take place on the fourth Saturday in both October and November. Plans are also in hand for a grand Christmas fair in December. The appeal for Christmas lights funding passed £600 this week.

The week started with another successful Acomb market. The event was attended by both Councillors Sheena Jackson and Andrew Waller . It was the last of the scheduled markets but we understand that the independent traders group Acomb Alive – which is chaired by Cllr Sue Hunter – have agreed to hold at least two more. They will take place on the fourth Saturday in both October and November. Plans are also in hand for a grand Christmas Fair in December. The appeal for Christmas lights funding passed £600 this we

Police upped their profile in the ward with a team visiting the Chapelfields area last week. Crime has been a growing concern according to the results of our door to door survey with the lack of identifiable local officers undertaking foot patrols are recurring comment

Police upped their profile in the ward with a team visiting the Chapelfields area last week. Crime has been a growing concern according to the results of our door to door survey with the lack of identifiable local officers undertaking foot patrols a recurring comment

Andrew Waller watched as new high powered water pumps were installed at the Foss Barrier. The new pumps should avoid any repetition of the flooding which occurred last Boxwing day.

Andrew Waller watched as new high powered water pumps were installed at the Foss Barrier. The new pumps should avoid any repetition of the flooding which occurred last Boxing Day.

Work has started on gutting the old NatWest bank building on Front Street although it remains unclear what its future use might be

Work has started on gutting the old NatWest bank building on Front Street although it remains unclear what its future use might be

We're still on the look out for blocked drainage gullies. These in Kingsway West have been reported.

We’re still on the look out for blocked drainage gullies. These in Windsor Garth have been reported.

The warm weather means that weeds and hedges are still growing. We've reported some - like these on Kingsway West - for attention. The third application of weed killer to foopaths has just taken place. Officials expect results to be visible by the middle of October.

The warm weather means that weeds and hedges are still growing. We’ve reported some – like these on Kingsway West – for attention. The third application of weed killer to footpaths has just taken place. Officials expect results to be visible by the middle of October.

Andrew Waller helped to clear rubble from around trees on Hob Moor. There were concerns that the tree could be permanently damaged

Andrew Waller helped to clear rubble from around trees on Hob Moor. There were concerns that the trees could be permanently damaged

Plans for a new house behind Front Street were lodged with the Council. Concerns have already been raised by residents about the condition and street lighting on the back lane which would form the only access for the property.

Plans for a new house behind Front Street were lodged with the Council. Concerns have already been raised by residents about the condition of the surface and street lighting on the back lane, which would form the only access for the property.

The grass has been cut at the Foxwood Community Centre. Residents meet every Saturday to undertake garden maintenance tasks near the centre

The grass has been cut at the Foxwood Community Centre. Residents meet every Saturday to undertake garden maintenance tasks near the centre

The Council approved on Thursday plans to erect 8 bungalows on the Newbury Avenue garage site. Residents have pledged to oppose the proposal when it reaches the planning committee if alterantive car parking spaces are not provided via a Section 106 agreement

The Council approved on Thursday plans to erect 8 bungalows on the Newbury Avenue garage site. Residents have pledged to oppose the proposal, when it reaches the planning committee, if alternative car parking spaces are not provided via a Section 106 agreement