HUNDREDS of businesses in East Hampshire are set to receive a discount on their business rates, thanks to a new scheme set out by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

The businesses, which saw the biggest increase in their rates this year, will get a 30 per cent rebate on the difference.

More than 300 businesses across the district will benefit from the scheme.

Ferris Cowper, EHDC’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, said the funding would be a welcome boost to the district’s businesses.

“When the Government reviewed rates this year some businesses saw their monthly bills go up. Those businesses facing the biggest increases will get money knocked off their bill,” he said.

And he added: “East Hampshire District Council is one of the most business-friendly councils in the country and this scheme is another example of that.”

Earlier in 2017 the Government re-assessed rateable values for the first time in seven years. It then set aside £300m to offer as rate relief for businesses across the UK.

EHDC has been allocated £723,000 for what is called the local discretionary relief scheme. The money will be spread over four years with most of the funds available in the first year of the scheme and reducing year on year after that.

The council was charged with devising a system to distribute the funding among the businesses.

While welcoming the temporary relief, Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Stephen Lewis was cautious.

“While it’s good news that government rate relief is being offered to counteract the rise in business rates, one has to bear in mind that this is a temporary scheme. We are heading into uncertain times and the last thing businesses need are more costs being added to their overheads.

“So, while EHDC may be able to offer temporary relief using this government subsidy, in the end smaller businesses will suffer because the economy has been slow to grow and there are precious few initiatives to help the country get back on its feet.”

Commenting on behalf of Alton Matters, Tanya Applegarth believes there are other ways EHDC could help the Alton business community, in particular by revisiting car park charges.

She said: “Although it will help businesses in the short term, Alton Matters is concerned about the parking charges currently having an adverse effect on the town. With so many towns in the area offering one hour of free parking and free parking on a Sunday, Alton’s businesses are operating at a major disadvantage.

“Alton does have some 30-minute free-parking spaces, but when town events are taking place half of these are unavailable, so if the free parking was in the main car parks as well it would help encourage people to town and thus help attract new businesses.”

* Businesses whose rates have gone up by more than £600 per year will receive 30 per cent off the increase. They will be contacted directly by EHDC.

Ratepayers who occupy one business premises in England which has a rateable value up to £12,000 will receive a 100 per cent discount. Ratepayers with a rateable value of £12,001 to £15,000 can now qualify for small business relief on a sliding scale from 100 per cent to zero per cent.

Any new ratepayer coming into the area who may qualify for small business relief is sent an application form with their rates bill. EHDC staff also look at small business relief when in conversation with a ratepayer.

East Hampshire District Council occasionally reduces a bill because of hardship. It will consider things such as the benefits the business provides to the local community and its profitability.