Newhaven businesses will save thousands of pounds after councillor takes action on rates

10.35.41am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 29th Jan 2008

Councillor Carla Butler is taking action to ensure Newhaven businesses pay the correct rates.

Newhaven businesses are set to benefit after local campaigner Carla Butler took action to reduce their bills. Carla has contacted Lewes District Council to arrange visits to local businesses to help them calculate if they are paying too much in rates. This follows the successful trial of this approach by Seaford Lib Dem councillor Carolyn Lambert.

Newhaven Councillor Carla Butler says "Local businesses are essential for the future of Newhaven. If they're paying too much in rates, then it can be difficult for them to run profitably. This exercise ensures that businesses are not paying more than their fair share."

The walkabout exercise will target scores of Newhaven businesses, and will be conducted with the District Revenue manager Ian Morris. A similar exercise conducted in Seaford looks set to save local businesses £24,000 over three years.

Carla adds "Local businesses are an important employer in Newhaven and allow young people to stay in the area. Local businesses also create a sense of community and identity for a town, so we should be doing all we can to support them. This method saved businesses in Seaford £8,000 a year, so hopefully it has a similar impact in Newhaven."