Port users have been dealt a blow after a petition to scrap backdated rate demands was rejected by the government.
The news leaves port users, including many in the timber trade, facing bills of several hundred thousand pounds.
The petition highlighted the problems caused by the Valuation Office Agency’s late rates revaluation, which was exacerbated by a change in the method of collecting rates on port estates which was not announced until 2007, resulting in operators facing massive rates demands, backdated three years.
In dismissing the petition, the government said it had already enacted legislation enabling affected businesses to spread payments over eight years.
One business told TTJ that companies would “undoubtedly” fold because of the bills. Another described the backdated rates as ludicrous.
Britain’s largest ports operator Associated British Ports said it was concerned that the rates adjustments could lead to a loss of business at its ports.
