Businesses looking to expand or start up in Calderdale could be given a helping hand with their rates if a new discount scheme is approved by the Council’s Cabinet on Monday 13 April.
This is the latest in a range of methods that the Council is using to boost business growth and create new jobs for local people, by opening up new sites and buildings to house Calderdale’s growing firms and attract new businesses from outside the area.
As part of its business and economy strategy, the Council has been busy working with landowners, private developers and businesses to identify obstacles stopping sites moving forward for development. One barrier is that moving to larger premises increases business rate bills, so the Council is proposing a temporary discount to encourage the building of new premises and improvement of older buildings. Businesses would be able to apply for 100% relief from new business rates for 12 months from occupation of the newly built or refurbished premises.
This would contribute towards the Council’s aim to reoccupy 250,000 square feet of unused floor space and bring 50 hectares of employment land forward by 2020.
Calderdale Council’s Director of Economy and Environment, Ian Gray, said:
“In our latest business survey, nearly 90% of firms said they want to stay in Calderdale and need help to grow. We know there are lots of sites in the area with so much development potential, which would be great places for businesses to start up, relocate or expand. Offering business rate discounts is just one of the ways we are making it easier for firms to take these steps. By encouraging investment in Calderdale, we can help to boost our economy and create jobs for local people.”
Under the proposed new business rates relief scheme, businesses would need to apply to the Council for a discount and meet certain criteria.
Other steps that the Council is taking to help move sites forward for development include:
- Advising on planning and infrastructure
- Overcoming difficult site conditions
- Identifying funding options to bring premises to the market
The business rate relief proposals will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 13 April at Halifax Town Hall at 6pm.