Letter: ‘We don’t want our High Street to change based on taxman’s greed’

Matthew Collings wrote to the paper regarding high business rates paid by Sidmouth business owners.

Further to the discussion regarding high business rates paid by Sidmouth business owners, the response given by EDDC was simply to spread the cost over 12 months.

This will not resolve the issue and is not only patronising, but shows a distinct lack of empathy for the efforts of small businesses to contribute to the economic resilience of Sidmouth.

I would like the EDDC spokesperson to consider how these high costs will be borne by us as independent business owners in Sidmouth and what influence they have with the Valuation Office in setting the base rate for our rateable value. The vitality and viability of Sidmouth as a unique shopping destination is based on the contribution of independent traders. This offer is essential to both visitors and residents alike. Larger companies such as Tesco, Co-op, Fat Face, Costa, Crew, Seasalt etc can spread the risk, but for small traders – the margins of risk are held more finely in the balance. I would be interested to hear the views of other small or independent traders in Sidmouth. How can we safeguard local business interests now and into the future – we don’t want our High Street to change based on the taxman’s greed, do we!

Matthew Collings

Via emai