Struggling firms get threatening letters over rates: Curran

Kells Town Council have been accused of putting unnecessary stress on local businesses, who are already struggling, by sending out letters threatening legal action over non-payment of rates. Cllr Brian Curran said a number of businesspeople had been very disressed by letters sent out recently thretening legal action. “At a time when people are struggling to keep their doors open, it is terrible to see this additional stress being put on them,” he said. “A lot of businesses have closed down and will remain closed and others will close too,” he warned. “The local authority has to be realistic. Cashflow in small provincial towns is very low. I have spoken to a lot of people who are very upset. This is the wrong approach. It is putting unnecessary pressure on people who are trying their best to meet their commitments.” Cllr Curran said it was important that people’s individual situations be taken into account and added that he would be taking the matter up with council officials. Meanwhile, proposals for a reduced rates incentive for new businesses is expected to be put before the local town council next week in response to proposals made by councillors for some kind of rates reduction to encourage business start-ups. The purpose of the scheme would be to allow new start-up businesses a commercial rates reduction over the first couple of years of trading to assist them kick-start their business.