TOWN centre shops across Merseyside are to have their business rates cut as a result of the adverse impact of the opening of Liverpool One on their trade.
The Valuations Office Agency told the Liverpool Daily Post yesterday that many shops in Liverpool and Birkenhead town centres will also receive rate rebates backdated to 2008, the year Liverpool One opened for business. The VOA is also considering similar concessions for traders in Southport town centre, where some traders are hoping for a 10% rate cut.
But the measure will not apply to other parts of the region.
A VOA spokesman said: “In January, we concluded that there was no evidence that rateable values of locations outside Liverpool city centre and Birkenhead town centre had been affected by the development, with the possible exception of Southport town centre, where the VOA requested further evidence.” She said the extent of the rate cut will vary between businesses and that notifications are currently being sent to affected traders.
The VOA sets rateable values for businesses by reference to open market rents, which in turn are determined by passing footfall.
Ged Gibbons, chief executive of City Central Business Improvement District, which represents city centre shops outside Liverpool One, said: “Any assistance is very welcome.
“Most retailers accept that Liverpool One has produced a massive boost for trade, but there are some areas that have suffered.”
Ed Oliver, deputy chairman of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “Some sectors such as ladies fashions, have suffered.”
The VOA has requested further evidence before proceeding with a similar scheme in Southport.
Steve Cook, who runs Steve’s Pet Supplies, on Wesley Street, in the town, said: “Liverpool One has affected us, there’s no doubt about it.
“I had people that used to come to Southport for a day out and get their pet stuff from me, but now they’re going to Liverpool so I’ve lost that custom.
“The trains are so cheap from Southport to Liverpool and people know that there are enough shops to keep them occupied all day. In Southport, we’ve lost shops head over heels.
“It would be great to have our rates reduced, it gives us all a fighting chance.”
Newsagent Steve Baldwin, who has run SKB News, on Eastbank Street, for two decades, said that current trading conditions were “horrendous”.
He said: “I’d be over the moon if this happened and they cut the rates.
“Apparently, we’ve had the worst January in 15 years, so smaller businesses all need some help.
“It will be a morale-booster for traders, it’s just what we need. A bit of extra relief could even encourage people to take on some of the empty shops in the town centre.”
Following talks with Valuation Tribunal Officers, Liberal Democrat councillor David Sumner confirmed that rates may be trimmed by “between 7%-10%”.
He claimed that local pubs affected by the rise in supermarket sales may also benefit from rate reductions.
Cllr Sumner said: “While nothing has been guaranteed yet, a cut in business rates could be that extra lifeline for many independent traders and help them get through to better times.”
Steve Dickson, chief executive of Sefton Chamber of Commerce, added: “A rate reduction would be a real boost for hard- hit businesses.”
