Buckinghamshire Council is taking action to support local businesses facing increased financial pressures following changes to national business rates, through a Notice of Motion proposed by Council leader Steven Broadbent, and approved at Wednesday’s Council meeting.
Recent Government changes, including the removal of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Discount, are expected to lead to significant increases in costs for many businesses. Around 400 hospitality businesses in Buckinghamshire could see average increases of around £1,540, creating an estimated £600,000 pressure across the sector.
In response, councillors have backed an enhanced use of the Council’s existing Business Rates Hardship Relief Scheme. This scheme allows for up to 100% relief in exceptional cases, with applications assessed individually. Businesses must provide clear evidence of hardship, demonstrate efforts to meet their liabilities, and confirm that all other available reliefs have been explored, which will ensure support can be targeted to businesses most at risk.
The Council will also proactively signpost affected businesses to the scheme and strengthen oversight, with regular updates on applications and emerging risks to jobs and local services.
Local businesses play a vital role in supporting jobs, high streets, and the wider economy across Buckinghamshire. This approach ensures that support is available where it is most needed, while also calling on the Labour Government to provide vital further national assistance. We encourage residents and businesses our Labour Member of Parliament, to press her for additional help for hospitality businesses and a full review of business rate changes to ensure viable businesses are not forced to close.
