Councillor invites Mark Drakefore to visit Blackwood
Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge extended the invitation following the announcement of a review of business rates by finance minister Mark Drakeford.
Mr Drakeford unveiled plans to cut business rates for around 13,000 smaller 'bricks and mortar' shops while raising the amount payable for higher value properties.
He also launched a 12-week consultation on proposals to adjust the multipliers for business rates, which are officially known as non-domestic rates.
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In a letter to Mr Drakeford, Mr Etheridge said: "You will be aware that many of our towns are suffering because of the high business rates, and over the last several years I have constantly received queries."
He also asked for clarification on several points regarding the review, including how the recalculation will work, whether there will be an appeals procedure if banding is disagreed with, and how the lower and higher multiplier will be calculated.
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He also asked for a definition of small and medium retail shops, who decided on the rateable value below £51,000 and more than £100,000, and whether preference and priority will be given to traders on the high street.
Mr Etheridge also asked whether the proposals can be amended if there is a change of government at the Senedd Elections in May 2026, and whether the Senedd has set up a financial working party to investigate these matters.
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