Rates move 'would be devastating for rural life in Shropshire'
Councillors in the more rural parts of Shropshire have expressed their surprise at Shropshire Council's sudden threat to remove the discretionary business rate relief.
They are urging members of the public to write to the authority and say that the imposition of rates on charities, community groups, village halls and clubs could have a 'devastating' effect on rural life.
Clun councillor Nigel Hartin said “This came as a total surprise. It will seriously impact on a whole range of organisations who play key roles in rural communities together. Village shops, Post offices, halls, and a whole rang of voluntary clubs and societies could all suffer.”
All groups potentially affected by the changes have already received a letter giving them notice that this relief will be reduced or removed, subject to council approval. The matter will be debated by the council's Cabinet committee on May 2.
Councillor Jonny Keeley, from Bishops Castle said: “This could have a devastating effect on shops in Wentnor, Lydham and Lydbury North and their village halls and the Public Hall in Bishops Castle amongst others. People need to write urgently to Peter Nutting, leader of Council as the reports for the May meeting recommending this will be being written now.
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"We need to make him understand how much harm will be caused to our struggling rural communities if this goes ahead.”
Councillor Hartin added: “Parish councils are already raising more on their precepts to cover running toilets, leisure centres, libraries and many other services previously done by Shropshire Council. Finding more money to support village necessities such as halls, shops and post offices is simply not possible and will lead to increased rural taxation and fewer services."
Letters were sent to those affected last month by the council's revenues and benefits service manager, notifying them of the rate change, which could come in to force on April 1 2019.
Councillor Nutting this week sought to allay fears of those affected by saying that, although the rates were revised every three years: "Ultimately decisions will be made at our May full council meeting if there are to be any recommended changes to our current policy.
"However, I want to be clear that in principle it is not our intention to apply full business rates to charities or good causes."
