23/03/2009 - Small firms call for rate relief
Chancellor Alistair Darling can expect to receive hundreds of postcards from owners of small businesses, urging him to bring in automatic rate relief for eligible firms.
The cards, which urge Mr Darling to bring in the measure in next month's Budget, have been filled in by delegates at the annual conference of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Newport, South Wales, and will now be posted on to the Chancellor.
A spokeswoman for the FSB said: "More than half of small businesses miss out on claiming back up to £1,200 off their business rates because they are unaware they are entitled to do so.
"Business rates are the third largest cost to small firms, after salaries and rent. Yet some local authorities do not publicise the rate relief many small firms are entitled to.
"Every year, around £400 million, calculated and earmarked by the Treasury for eligible businesses, goes unclaimed - even though this money poses no extra cost to the Government or tax payer."
John Wright, the national chairman of the FSB, added: "Next month's Budget could be make or break for small businesses. With around 120 businesses going bust a day it is crucial that more is done to sustain their cashflow."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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