HARD-pressed businesses have welcomed Waverley Borough Council support for companies facing the steepest increases to their business rates bill. But they have welcomed it more as a sign of a desire for a “closer working relationship”, rather than the financial support, which “in some cases, may not amount to much”.

Waverley is sending out revised, reduced bills, following the government’s re-evaluation of rateable values earlier this year, calculating how much companies should pay in business rates based on a property’s market value.

The revaluation has seen some dramatic increases in business rates bills, with seven Haslemere properties paying between £5,578 and £25,496 more this year before relief.

The council has been allocated £443,769 this financial year by government, to help support small businesses. The sum is part of a national £300million discretionary revaluation relief fund and will be distributed over four years.

Borough councillor Ged Hall, Waverley’s portfolio holder for finance, said: “The council is using the fund to help small businesses that need the most help. The revised bills are on their way. Some businesses may need more support and so we have created a hardship fund of £50,000 to help them.” Other government schemes to help support businesses include:–

• Supporting small businesses relief – the scheme is aimed at businesses that have had their entitlement to small business rate relief reduced or lost. It limits the increase to £600 per year

• The Government’s one-year relief scheme is available for pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000. – £1,000 is given to offset any increase.

Haslemere Chamber of Commerce president David Goddin said: “The business rates relief being distributed by way of revised bills will undoubtedly benefit some businesses that have experienced significant revaluations. But the relief is not widespread and in some cases it may not amount to much.

“More importantly, consultation between Waverley and the four chambers of commerce during development of the relief scheme does highlight a closer working relationship between local government and business. There appears to be a growing emphasis on the local economy.

“I think we can expect more support from councillors and officials because a strong business sector is good for the borough.”

• Waverley executive has endorsed the council’s participation in a Surrey-wide bid to become a business rate pilot. Chairman Julia Potts said: “We must ensure we have a robust bid in order to participate. There will be a significant benefit if successful. Our finances are challenged and any way we can have an opportunity to participate will be beneficial to us financially.”