Latest news with #Pull
The Advertiser
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Business owners to give their two cents on controversial rate scheme
BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts. BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts. BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts. BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Lidl is selling a £9 garden gizmo in stores this week that will keep insects away when entertaining outside this summer
Watch the video for some top tips on how to get pests out of your garden MAKING A BUZZ Lidl is selling a £9 garden gizmo in stores this week that will keep insects away when entertaining outside this summer LIDL is selling a bargain gadget perfect for keeping your garden insect-free this spring. With temperatures remaining high this week, and summer just around the corner, many of us will be making plans to host friends and relatives in the garden. Advertisement 2 Lidl is selling a bargain gadget perfect for keeping your garden insect-free this spring Credit: Alamy 2 The Lidl gadget is just £9.99 Credit: Lidl But there's nothing worse than sitting down to enjoy an evening in the sun, only to be plagued by irritating insects. Although there are many natural hacks you can try to repel bugs, Lidl's Livarno Home Cylindrical Electric Insect Killer is guaranteed to make your garden a pest-free zone. Landing in stores from Thursday, May 15, the £9.99 product will keep bugs at bay both during the day, and at night. It uses low energy consumption - so you don't have to worry about high electricity bills - and is super easy to clean, thanks to the removable try at the base. Advertisement The bargain buy comes with a practical hanger, so you can hang it from trees or table umbrellas and comes with a three year warranty, guaranteeing your garden will be bug free for years to come. It comes with a 1.5 metre long cable, so you can easily plug it in using an extension cable, and comes with fully insulated housing with protective mesh. The insect killer is part of Lidl's Middle Aisle range, and can be found in the middle of your local supermarket. However, as with all Middle Aisle offerings, once they're gone, they're gone, so you better be quick! Advertisement Amongst the bargains currently on the shelves in the middle of Lidl, is the Japanese Pull Saw With Angled Handle. The bargain buy will set you back by just £4.99, making it the perfect product for penny pinchers. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free The nifty gadget can help you trim back overgrown hedges, thanks to the flexible saw blade with coarse and fine teeth. The product also has an ergonomic handle, and a soft grip, so you can chop hedges with comfort. Advertisement Lidl shoppers can also nab a bargain on a lawn tool, available at a fraction of the price of a similar Bosch buy. The bargain supermarket is currently selling the Parkside Electric Lawn Trimmer for just £24.99, £75 cheaper than Bosch's Universal GrassCut 18V-26-500. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. And this handy buy is even cheaper for Lidl Plus app users, at just £19.99. It is designed for "quick and clean lawn trimming", even in hard-to-reach areas. Advertisement With a 300W motor, the gadget features line spools that can be changed without tools. It also includes a protective hood with a trimmer line cutter, as well as an ergonomic handle. The gadget has an integrated power cable strain relief for the 10 metre power cable. This buy, which hits the Lidl middle aisle on Thursday, May 15, boasts a cutting diameter of 23 centimetres.
