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Wednesday, October 12, 2016
THIS WEEK, IN RESPONSE TO READER DEMAND, WE LAUNCH OUR COVERAGE, BOTH IN PRINT AND ONLINE, OF LOCAL SPORTING EVENTS AND RESULTS See pages 78 and 79
INSIDE REFUGEE ACTION
TRUMP V CLINTON Former Judd school pupil Tim Stanley, who is now the senior Telegraph reporter on the 2016 US election, joined Tonbridge & Malling MP, Tom Tugendhat on stage at a packed EM Forster Theatre on Friday to discuss the battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to become the next President of the United States of America. For the full story turn to page 2.
Revaluation of rates on high street creates mix of winners and losers
Too early to explain disparity in Government figures says Council By Murray Jones newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE majority of retailers on Tonbridge High Street are facing a cut in what they owe to the taxman next year following the latest revaluation of business rates. But not all town businesses are sharing in this unexpected windfall. Some companies north of the river bridge and in the industrial estates are facing a rise of more than 30 per cent. Of the first 60 properties on the High Street (Numbers 1-75) analysed by the Times, all but one faced a reduction, averaging 10.41 per cent. This average figure does, however, hide
some extremes. For example, the Choice Discount Stores outlet has had its rateable value halved. But on Vale Road the 15 businesses the Times looked at faced an average of an 11.89 per cent increase. There was also a spike to the north of the High Street, with addresses 148-158 seeing an average rise of 17.71 per cent. Sancho’s Kebab Shop and Bennett & Stevens, a property service business, will see increases of more than 30 per cent. The Times put these figures to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC), but a spokesperson said it was too early to explain the disparity between businesses on the High Street and Vale Road, and how this tax
cut will affect the council’s revenue. Sharon Shelton, TMBC Director of Finance and Transformation, said: “As this latest rateable value list was only published by the Valuation Office last week, the council has not yet had the opportunity to evaluate in detail how the council’s revenue will be affected. “However, early indications suggest that decreases in some areas may be evened out by increases in others.” The deduction follows last year’s relief when High Street businesses had their rates reduced by around ten per cent to compensate for the disruption from roadworks. Susan Adams, who has run a store in the town for over 30 years, welcomed the
changes to rates, especially considering her premises in the High Street is now eligible for 100 per cent rate relief. In this year’s budget, the then Chancellor, George Osborne, announced that properties with a ‘rateable value’ of below £15,000 will be exempt from the tax. Mrs Adams, who offers businesses services, said she was ‘delighted’ with the changes to rates, adding: “This is a huge help for small businesses along the High Street.” Business rates are based on a property’s ‘rateable value’ and are decided by the Government’s Valuation Office Agency (VOA). For a full list of valuations, go to: www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates
Generous residents donate 15 carloads Page 2
WALKING IN RHYTHM Tonbridge Lions give football team a Brazilian look Page 2
LATE NIGHT OPENING Gallery leads the way on bridging the gap Page 3
TOWN CHAMPION
MP leads tributes after councillor passes away Page 3