Businesses across Rhondda Cynon Taf are being urged to apply for Business Rates Relief after the council announced an increase in support available to eligible firms.

RCT Council recently promoted its relief scheme on social media, encouraging cafés, restaurants, salons, hairdressers and shops to apply for support worth up to £625 this year.

The council says hundreds of businesses are already benefiting from reduced business rates bills, with some paying significantly less or, in certain cases, no business rates at all.

However, reactions from business owners suggest that many remain concerned about rising costs following recent changes to rateable values.

One business owner commented that they had previously received full relief but became liable for rates following April’s revaluation.

Another said they were “shocked” by the size of their latest rates bill and claimed that increased rateable values had significantly increased their costs.

A third described the £625 relief as “a joke”, alleging that their business rates had risen by 118 per cent this year.

Not all comments were critical. One business owner reported receiving a fast response after being advised by the council to apply for the relief scheme, while another said their application had been processed quickly.

Others raised concerns about delays, with one applicant stating they had been waiting more than a month for a response.

Alongside concerns about business rates, some traders used the discussion to raise wider questions about Business Improvement District (BID) levies and town centre spending.

Business Improvement Districts are funded through a levy paid by eligible businesses within designated areas and are intended to support projects aimed at improving trading conditions, attracting visitors and enhancing town centres.

Some businesses have questioned how BID levy income is spent and whether enough information is available to levy payers.

A Freedom of Information response previously provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council confirmed that the Our Aberdare BID is an independent organisation and that the council does not hold the BID’s accounts, board minutes or financial management records. The council stated that while it collects the BID levy and pays the levy on qualifying council-owned properties within the BID area, responsibility for governance and financial management rests with the BID itself.

The response also confirmed that a formal Services Review Panel involving the council and the BID is required to meet regularly to monitor services and performance.

The discussion highlights the pressures facing many town centre businesses, with rising operating costs, increased business rates and ongoing concerns about footfall continuing to affect high streets across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Businesses seeking information about the council’s Business Rates Relief scheme can apply through Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s website.

https://www.facebook.com/RCTCouncil/posts/pfbid02Wpnwj4UZ9L2yovXrKPaussPHZ1XJ1tH1JHAZ69mhthoskjMEeSBULBuMHd4mKhStl