Rate cut plan for firms in disease struggle

Reductions or deferrals in the business rates will be offered, being backed by the Government.

A report to the local authority's decision-making executive committee has called for the director of finance to be allowed to give help to firms that have been hit by the outbreak.

Alan Cotton, director of finance at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the borough did not have many businesses which were likely to be affected, but said some had already made enquiries.

Most of the government assistance is to authorities in rural areas. Pendle, Wyre, Ribble Valley and Lancaster are being given extra help for business rate relief.

Depending on circumstances, the relief could be either a deferment in payment to a later date, or, for businesses which have been severely affected, a discount under a criteria which the Government has put together.

Mr Cotton said: "The type of businesses includes those involved in agriculture and ancillary areas, food processors, retailers such as tourist gift shops, bed and breakfasts, and haulage firms involved primarily in transporting livestock."

Farm land and buildings are already exempt from the business rates.

In Ribble Valley, the council estimates 1,200 businesses could potentially qualify for hardship rates relief.

The main areas in which businesses both directly and indirectly linked to agriculture could receive help are: to defer payment of rates, seek reduction in rateable value, and extend the hardship relief scheme.

Businesses already considering appeals to the district valuation office against their business rate valuation have an additional period of three months, from March 31, to lodge them.

In addition, businesses can ask the district valuer for a temporary reduction on the grounds that the foot and mouth crisis has affected the physical state of the property and/or its locality.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive committee will decide on the action to take on Tuesday.