York businesses benefit from £700,000 rate relief

Over 1,000 small businesses and charities in York will benefit from £700,000 in business rate relief over the next few months.

No business or charity with a rateable value below £200,000 will have to pay an increase in their business rates in 2017/18.

The decision follows a recent business rates revaluation exercise carried out by Central Government, which saw many businesses facing rates rising 12.5% or more. The decision will mean that £700,000 in government money will be automatically redistributed to businesses across the city, without the need for an application process.

Keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours this winter

With cold weather forecast over the coming days City of York Council is reminding residents to stay well this winter and to look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

Winter is here. The cold weather can have a significant impact on people’s health and with the cold and icy conditions vulnerable people can tend to stay at home.

Top tips for supporting older vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, include:

  • Make sure they’re warm enough – the temperature in  their home should be at least 18oC, particularly if they are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over, and they may need to  wear several layers of clothes to stay warm.
  • Make sure they are well stocked up on food, drink and medicines they may need.
  • Try to make sure they have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.
  • Information about social groups and activities for older people is available through www.connecttosupport.org/york  or by contacting Age UK York on 01904 627995.
  • For more information about Age UK’s national Spread the Warmth campaign visit www.ageuk.org.uk or see www.york.gov.uk/winter   more information about keeping well during winter.

Councillor Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, City of York Council, said: “For hundreds of older and vulnerable people across the York area the winter can be a lonely and difficult time.

“Simply popping in to check on vulnerable neighbours or make time for elderly relatives and friends to make sure they are warm, happy and healthy can make such a difference.”

The council is also reminding people to stay well this winter, here’s our top tips:

  • At the first sign of a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist
  • Speak to your pharmacist about important medicines you should have in stock
  • It is important to keep warm in winter, so heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F)
  • Make sure you get your flu jab from your GP or pharmacy
  • For information and advice visit www.nhs.uk/staywell

What’s on in York; Carol concerts at York Minster

SOLD OUT

  • 14th and 15th Dec 2017
7.00pm – 8.30pm
From £12.00

BOOK TICKETS

York Minster’s popular Christmas Carol Concerts take place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December and offer the perfect start to the festive season.

The concerts feature the York Minster Choir performing a mixture of classical and popular Christmas music, with the Yorkshire Volunteers Band leading the audience in Christmas carols.

The concerts will take place in the Minster’s awe-inspiring Nave and include special seasonal readings by celebrity guests.

Tickets are priced at £25, £18 and £12 and will be available from Tuesday 26 September from the York Theatre Royal Box Office online, by telephoning 01904 623568 or in person at the theatre in St Leonard’s Place, YO1 7HD.

The box office is open Mondays 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm* (on non-show days or until 6pm on show days). Please note that a booking fee of £1.50 is payable for all transactions apart from cash payments at the Box Office in person.