Telford firms could fold over business rates blunder
Businesses in a Telford town could be forced to shut up shop after being told they owe thousands of pounds in unpaid rates because of a mistake by the Valuations Office.
At least three traders in the centre of Madeley were handed letters by the Valuation Office (VOA) saying they owed up to £5,600 each.
They were given temporary reductions in their business rates to help them during building work in the town in 2010 – but they have continued to receive the reduction despite work finishing four years and eight months ago.
The Valuations Office said they error had "only just come to light".
At least three businesses in Madeley are affected – SPE Fashion and Best Wishes in Anstice Square, and MG Household and Fancy Goods at Horse Shoe Court, High Street.
SPE Fashion has been told it must pay £3,579.52 in three instalments starting in January. And the firm's rates will rise from £7,200 to £8,400 now that the allowance has been removed.
Business owner Bilbir Singh said he was not aware of the situation until receiving a letter from the Shrewsbury Valuation Office.
He said: "This is really going to affect me a lot. I am already in debt as it is.
"The letter came out of the blue after more than four-and-a-half years, saying the error had only just come to light. I was very upset and very deeply disturbed."
Nick Mann, spokesman for the Valuation Office Agency, said: "There were temporary reductions in the rateable values to allow for the impact of disturbance from building works in 2010."
If a business disagrees with our decision, they should contact us to discuss it."
Telford & Wrekin Council spokeswoman Emily Knightley said: "We would encourage any business who finds themselves in this situation to get in touch with us."
