Road users in around Shropshire are being punished by the Government’s decision to increase the rateable values applied to petrol stations, according to Cllr Heather Kidd. Heather has warned that rural petrol stations could face closure unless the Government reverses their decision.
While convenience retailers – such as Tesco Express – have their rateable value calculated on their square footage, independent petrol retailers are charged according to their turnover, making their business rates far greater. Independent petrol stations provide a vital service in areas such as Bishops castle where petrol stations often provide the only commercial outlet for many miles.
Commenting Heather said: “The valuation office seemed to have conjured up these business rates completely out of thin air. How can it be fair for supermarkets to have their business rates kept relatively steady when at the same time an independent petrol station can have theirs shoot up by over 50%. This decision will have a disproportionate effect in rural areas, where the car is a necessity and not a luxury and where petrol stations often provide the only commercial outlet for many miles. The Government should rectify this situation by introducing concessionary rates for rural petrol stations to protect local businesses and ensure we continue to have a viable and thriving rural economy.”