LOCAL campaigner Jesse Norman

has given his backing to proposed new

legislation which would automatically

grant business rate relief to small

businesses across Herefordshire and

the rest of the country. Peter Luff MP

has tabled a Private Members Bill

which would see business rate relief

granted automatically for small businesses,

as in Wales.

Jesse said: "Small businesses and

small shops are vital to Herefordshire,

and I am delighted that Peter Luff has

launched this Bill which has the

potential to help so

many local businesses.

Business rates are the

third largest cost to

small firms, after

salaries and rent. Yet

many small businesses

are unaware they are

entitled to rate relief.

Every year, around £400

million, calculated and

ear-marked by the Treasury

for eligible businesses,

goes unclaimed.

More than half of small

businesses miss out on

claiming back up to

£1,200 off their business

rates. The Bill is due to

be debated in the House

of Commons on Friday, March 6th.

As well as support for local businesses

Jesse has also launched a new

countywide drive to Save our Small

Shops.

He is asking local people to pick

their own favourite small shop, and to

say what makes them so special.

Once the nominations have been

tallied, the winning shops will be celebrated

at a reception to which all participants

will be invited, so that they

can pass on their good wishes and

support to the winners in person.

For details on how to nominate your favourite shop see The Ross Gazette issue dated February 18th.