Better for Business

BUSINESS RATES RETAIL RELIEF T HE government looks set to increase the ‘Retail Relief’ on Business Rates in the upcoming budget statement from Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, on March 11th. The current version of the relief was introduced on 1 April 2019 following extensive lobbying from the BID industry, whereby eligible businesses which meet certain use criteria and have a rateable value of less than £51,000 can apply for one third off their rates bill. From 1 April 2020 it is anticipated that this will be increased to 50%. The relief would be extended to include cinemas and music venues and run until March 2021. The government has said it “is committed to levelling up the UK by supporting high streets up and down the country” and “is committed to launching a fundamental review of business rates. Further details will be announced in due course.” The extension of the relief scheme is welcome, however Orpington 1st will, along with BID colleagues across the country, continue to push for wholesale reform of what is an unfair and antiquated tax.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR I T’S never too early to start a spring clean programme, so as soon as we took down the Orpington Christmas Lights, our attention turned to ensuring the removal of rubbish from alleyways and access points into the high street.

We removed two truckloads of fl y tipping from the area at Berwick Way and are working with landowners, residents and the Council to resolve this ongoing issue, seeking permanent changes to the storing of waste and management of land.

Contact the BID team 01689 829 527

BID Manager Chris Travers chris.travers@ orpington1st.co.uk

We have also taken the opportunity to clean and paint damaged street furniture and to remove fl y posting and graffi ti to ensure that the town centre remains well presented ahead of our extensive summer planting programme. LEVY PAYERS SAVE WITH CD WASTE AND ORPINGTON 1 ST O RPINGTON 1st’s continuing partnership with CD Waste is providing an improved service and reduced costs for BID levy paying businesses, with many saving the equivalent of their BID levy every year.

CD Waste Management Ltd guarantee a 95% landfi ll avoidance, so your business can also contribute toward a cleaner and greener environment. Having one preferred supplier for BID businesses also makes a positive impact to our environment, with fewer trucks coming into town. Cafés and restaurants can now also benefi t from a reduction in the price of food waste bins. Contact the BID team for more information.

The BID team met recently with Gareth Bacon MP and discussed a range of issues including Business Rates and Policing.