Good news for Darlington retail businesses

Retail businesses in Darlington could receive up to a third off their business rates as new Business Rates Retail discounts are introduced from March. The changes could see some local retail businesses receiving a share of a £740,000 discount on their business rates for the next financial year.

Retail businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 could receive up to a third off their business rates. Many businesses in the Borough already pay no business rates due to the Small Business rate relief scheme where businesses with a rateable value of less than £12,000 pay no rates. The new rates will give many other local retailers much needed help in challenging times.

The new and existing Relief schemes are fully funded by the Government. Businesses do not need to contact the Council to gain reliefs, they will be automatically applied to their bills in March.

Councillor Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council said:

“This is good news for business in Darlington and we estimate that £440,000 of the relief will benefit town centre businesses.

“This latest support by Government for local retail is welcomed but, as I have said before, there needs to be a full review of the Business Rates system to make it fairer and to help retailers who invest in our towns to compete on an equal footing with online businesses.

"We are working hard on many levels with local and national businesses, and particularly with town centre businesses, to help them thrive in what are difficult times. In addition to our town centre partnership and events team, our Business Support team is on hand to offer advice and help where needed.”

The council’s Business Support team offers help and advice to Darlington businesses and to outside companies looking to move to the Borough. They can offer help with business rates support, finding suitable premises, local support services and access to funding. They can be contacted on 406305 or email:  [email protected]

Help and advice on Business Rates is available from www.gov.uk