AMs vow to continue rates battle (From Western Telegraph)

AMs vow to continue rates battle

4:48pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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Local politicians have voiced their disappointment with the Welsh Assembly after being stonewalled on their bids for information and help on the current business rates crisis.

South Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Angela Burns has criticised the Assembly's 'lack of transparency' about the levels of business rate increases.

And opposition leader Nick Bourne has pledged to continue pressing for a transitional rate relief scheme, despite a rejection of his recent call in the Senedd.

Mrs Burns has been trying to find out from officials the number of communities which have seen an increase of more than 100 per cent in their business rateable values so that help could be tailor-made for them with funds accessed through the business support grant scheme.

The information has not been forthcoming, although she has been told by the Valuation Office that it was held by the Assembly government, she said.

Meanwhile, mid and west Wales Assembly member Mr Bourne has said that local government minister Carl Sargeant has 'clearly demonstrated he has no sympathy' with increase-hit businesses after he rejected his call for a transitional rate relief scheme.

"We will continue to raise this matter until the Assembly Government recognises the seriousness of this issue," he promised.