Pickles puts block on backdated rates bills

DEMANDS for backdated business rates will be put on hold today, giving dozens of struggling port firms in the region a lifeline.

The Government will introduce emergency regulations to suspend bills totalling millions of pounds which had been "unfairly" imposed on firms, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles will announce.

The move – funded from some of the 6bn in cuts announced by the coalition on Monday – will benefit companies owning 184 properties at docks in Hill, Grimsby, Immingham, Goole and Humber Sea Terminal. They faced demands for 21.85m.

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Ministers will now consider options – including legislation – to offer port companies permanent relief from backdated bills.

Mr Pickles said: "Backdated port taxes levied on a vital part of Britain's export industry have left many businesses unfairly facing hefty bills, reaching into the millions in some cases.

"Today I am introducing a suspension of the collection of this ports tax grab, offering immediate help to firms struggling because of this unfair, unjust tax.

"I will not allow Government to idly look on any longer as vital businesses around the Humber stare into the face of insolvency as a result of the ports tax."

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He added: "We are clear we should be supporting the economy not forcing people out of business."

The problems stems from a ports review in 2008 by the Valuation Office Agency, which then issued backdated bills.

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