In the past week more than 500 shops, cafes and other small High Street businesses have responded to the council’s invitation to apply for a third off their business rates.
Steve Pinto from the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and the council's business spokesman Cllr Rory O'Broin have joined forces to get the word out.
Now the rest of the 1600 independent retailers who received a ‘pink envelopes’ from the council are being urged to apply for a share of a new government funding pot to help boost local high streets.
All businesses have to do is fill in a simple online form and they could save hundreds of pounds a year.
The temporary scheme provides a discount to all qualifying occupied retail properties with a rateable value of less than £51,000. Those eligible will receive a discount of one third of their business rate bill for each of the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years, after all other relevant reliefs have been applied first. Businesses rates are set by national government, not by local councils.
The council’s business spokesman Rory O’Broin said: “Look out for your pink letter and make sure you apply for this discount. We are keen that as many shops as possible apply because small independent stores are the key to attracting shoppers to our high streets.”
Businesses that could qualify for the scheme include shops, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, pubs and bars, post offices, charity shops, hairdressers and beauty salons, dry cleaners, other high street stores, food outlets and services.
If you did not receive a pink envelope but think your business might be eligible, or if you wish to apply straight away, please visit the council’s website.
