Statement - business rate relief

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Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, said: “All of Islington’s business rate relief schemes have been implemented, and much-needed help is being brought to Islington businesses hit by the Government’s business rate revaluation.

“Following serious concerns from across London, including a campaign from business and the council in Islington, the Government announced in April a last-minute rate business rate relief plan.

“While we welcome the rate relief money and have set up three schemes to bring much-needed relief to businesses, it was very disappointing the Government announced this relief at the last minute and with no warning. This last minute announcement has caused delays for many councils in bringing business rate relief to those who most need it.

“Also, the £8.6million in rate relief that the Government has allocated to Islington is a drop in the ocean compared with the £315million extra businesses in Islington will pay in the same period.”

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