Chamber set to discuss business rates with council

Trim Chamber of Commerce is to meet with Trim Town Council and Meath County Council to discuss the issue of rates for local businesses. Trim Town Clerk Brian Murphy told the July monthly meeting of the town council that, so far this year, just 24 per cent of the rates due have been collected and that, unless the situation approves, the council may have to revise its budget in September. Mr Murphy told councillors that they should have approximately €200,000 more in their bank account and that the issue was having a big impact on the council's cashflow. Trim Chamber of Commerce president Yvette Bloomfield said the Chamber had requested a meeting with Trim Town Council and Meath County Council to talk about rates three weeks ago and that request has been accepted. She said that, from the Chamber's point of view, everybody is aware they have to pay their rates. However, she pointed out that a collector used to collect the rates every Friday and businesses would have the money ready in an envelope because they knew he was going to call. She added that that, because of cutbacks, this position was now gone and businesses had instead been given a swipecard. "We were given swipecards so we could put the money in any time but it is so easy not to do that. If somebody was calling on Friday, you made it your business to have the money in an envelope but, if left to yourself, you might have great intentions to pay it but don't physically get around to doing it," said Ms Bloomfield. "It was bad business management to get rid of that man. For a lot of people, a Friday never went by that they didn't pay him. It was something you had to have," she added. Ms Bloomfield said businesses may have other bills to pay that seem more pressing and important and that the rates can tend to be put on the long finger, but said it was not a case that businesses are deliberately not paying them. However, Ms Bloomfield said there are some people who have said they can't afford to pay their rates and, if they have to pay them, it will shut them down. She said the Chamber has been proactive in seeking a meeting with the town council to discuss the issue and that this is happening and the request for a meeting was accepted. "We understand that people need to pay rates and we need to see what we pay is equal for all and value for money. The Chamber would like to see this situation resolved and see how we can help to move things on," she said. According to Ms Bloomfield, business is worse than it has ever been and is getting harder all the time. "Things have got bad. It's worse than it has ever been, People who said we'll keep the smile going and soldier on are saying it is getting harder and harder. Either people don't have money or are afraid to spend it but it is not getting any easier," she remarked. Meanwhile, Trim Town Council is encouraging businesses to set up standing orders on a weekly or monthly basis to pay their commerial rates.