High street struggling after 'crazy' rise in rates

Small businesses on one high street in Cheltenham have spoken about their struggles after "eye-watering" increases to business rates were brought in.

Some businesses in Montpelier, which is full of independent and family-run firms, said they had seen their rates more than double.

The burden of these rates was previously cushioned by the pandemic but the relief was being wound down and the cost of being on the high street was going up, the business owners said.

The government said the current relief was unsustainable but it promised reform to help smaller firms with a permanently lower tax next year.

"The numbers are eye watering," said David Burgess, who runs Contour Kitchens in Montpelier.

"Last year's bill was £3,837, this year it's £11,452."

He described the increased rates as "a kick in the teeth" and said they would make running the business "very difficult".

The Paragon Gallery owner Eleanor Wardle said the rates would put unnecessary pressure on business owners.

"This is a time when we should be working hard to improve the high street for the future," she said.

Last year her rates were £3,385. Next month they will increase to more than £10,000.

Richard Dare, who runs men's clothing store James of Montpelier, is currently paying £8,188.

Soon he will be charged £21,145 in business rates.

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