Highland Council Trading Standards - Non-domestic rates reduction scams warning
11th April 2016
Highland Council Trading Standards have warned of - rates reduction - firms who are targeting local businesses.
The Highland Councils Finance Service raised concerns when they began to receive calls from Highland businesses about receiving unsolicited marketing letters. Some local businesses had received letters suggesting that they could receive a large reduction in non-domestic rates and in some instances that a back dated refund of this charge could be available by submitting an appeal. The letter included that the services provided would attract a fee.
Highland Council's Trading Standards team want to advise businesses to be cautious of such claims made by companies that state that they can secure big reductions in business rates. Local businesses should always ask for confirmation of such claims in writing and if the company refuses to supply this, then the message is clear.....dont go ahead. In all calls that the Council has received from businesses in response to such letters to date, no refunds or reduction in rates have been applicable.
Team Leader David MacKenzie said: Businesses would not have to pay a fee in order to ask for their rates to be reviewed. Such a request should be lodged with their local council. We are concerned that local businesses may be duped into paying for something that they can obtain free of charge from their local council.
Allan Gunn, Head of Revenues and Business Support of the Councils Finance Service added: Local Highland businesses can receive free advice and information on how their non-domestic rates are calculated for their business properties and their rates can be reviewed if circumstances should change. We would urge local Highland businesses to contact us directly for free and confidential advice if they have any queries regarding their current rates.
Highland Council Non-Domestic Rates Team can be contacted in writing at:
Non-Domestic Rates Team
The Highland Council
PO Box 5650
Inverness
IV3 5YX
Highland businesses can also make contact with the team by email at:
nondomesticrates@highland.gov.uk or by telephone on 01463 702984.
Application forms and guidance for relief or remission regarding non-domestic rates can be found at:
www.highland.gov.uk/nondomesticrates
Further guidance regarding Scotland Valuation Rolls & Council Tax Lists can be found online from: Scottish Assessors Association at: http://www.saa.gov.uk/
Highland Council Trading Standards further adds that businesses should ALWAYS be suspicious if asked to pay large sums of money up front, especially for something that can be applied for free. Concerned Highland business can visit or write to: The Highland Council Trading Standards Service, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF or contact by telephone on 01463/228700 for further advice.
Related Businesses
Related Articles
On Thursday 22 August 2024, The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed how, when and where it will enable delivery of development across Highland with the approval and adoption of the Local Development Plan Delivery Programme for IMFLDP2. As in the report recommendations, the committee agree to consult more widely on a draft Highland Delivery Programme.
Intervention by the Scottish Government has led to the suspension of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse collectors, this week. The action has been suspended by all three trade unions after the Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved pay offer.
The Highland Council is reminding individuals and community groups that there is still time to take part in the consultation seeking views on the Draft Community Wealth Building Strategy. This new strategy aims to ensure every area and community across the Highlands can participate in, and benefit from economic activity.
The Highland Council's Environmental Health team is advising caution as blue-green algae has been found in Loch Watten, Caithness. During periods of prolonged warm weather, the chance of Blue Green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals (as well as rivers), increases significantly.
Thew John O'Groat Journal highlighted a letter from Thurso Community Council to Highland council. The controversy surrounding the closure of Avonlea Children's home in Wick and the decision to stop respite care in Thor House in Thurso has left people in doubt about the decisions.
The Highland Council is seeking contractors to tender for a Highland Energy Efficiency Framework (domestic and non-domestic). Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "It is vital that local businesses take this opportunity and attend the ‘Meet the Buyer Event' being organised for them in Inverness.
The Highland Council welcomes the introduction of new legislation announced today (16 July 2024) by the Scottish Government that incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: "The changes introduced will ensure that Highland's children and young people will be included in, and consulted with, on changes to existing policies and on the introduction of new policies being considered by The Highland Council.
The action taken by the Council's roads teams across the Highlands in response to the impact of storms has been recognised. The team were delighted to win the Team of the Year at the recent Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards.
The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare (North) Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living in the Lairg, Dornoch, Golspie, Farr, Scourie, Durness, Kinlochbervie, Tongue, Wick and Thurso area. The survey is open until Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Highland Council's multi-award-winning renewable energy installation, Hydro Ness, has scooped another national design award. Hydro Ness and designer Leslie Hutt Architect received a prestigious Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland award at a ceremony at the National Galleries of Scotland on 3 June 2024.
