CASH strapped Anglesey firms are being urged to check if they have claimed business rate relief to help them through “challenging times”.
Eligible island companies can apply for support which provides assistance for some occupied properties offering a discount of 50% on non-domestic rates bills.
The relief is aimed at businesses and other ratepayers in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, for example shops, pubs, restaurants, gyms, performance venues and hotels.
Welcoming a Welsh Government decision to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sector the council’s deputy leader and economy portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones said: “I urge all eligible Anglesey businesses to ensure that they submit an application for the business rate relief.
“It will help to go some way to support local businesses during these challenging times.”
The authority’s finance portfolio holder Cllr Robin Wyn Williams added: “It appears that some retail, hospitality and leisure businesses who pay business rates and qualify for this rate relief have not yet applied.
“Qualifying businesses will receive relief of up to 50% in 2022/23, rising to 75% in 2023/24.
“I encourage all business rate business on the island to check if they are eligible for this relief to ensure they do not miss out on vital support.”
The reminder comes after island businesses have been impacted not only by national and international issues but also by the impact of the closure of the Menai Bridge.
The council also recently welcomed the Welsh Government news on Friday, that the Menai Suspension Bridge will re-open to traffic, under 7.5 tonnes, from the early hours of Thursday, February 2.
A council spokesperson said: “The news comes as a relief to the many businesses, residents and commuters.
“We recognise, however, that more work will be needed on the bridge in due course.”
They added that the county council would also seek to “positively influence” the timing and traffic management of the bridge’s forthcoming ‘phase two’ works to ensure “as little disruption as possible” to the town of Menai Bridge and wider Island.
