More Than £1 million of Rate Relief Still Unclaimed

Date published: 02/10/2008

More than £1 million of business rate relief remains unclaimed in Rochdale.

People can get up to £1,000 a year off their rates bill under the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, but an estimated £1,151,726 has still not been claimed.

Carol Hopkins, Rochdale Local Manager at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “It is staggering that so much money remains unclaimed. As the credit crunch continues to bite it seems likely that small businesses will feel the pinch most. But whilst many struggle for survival, they may be completely unaware that they could be entitled to a cash windfall of up to £1,000.

“More needs to do be done to publicise the fact this relief is available, as I’m sure the low level of take up has a lot to do with lack of information.”

Businesses of all sizes can claim business rate relief, as the entitlement is based on rateable value and location rather than turnover or number of employees.