Council consults with businesses on its budget plans
Businesses are being invited to have their say on the council’s budget plans for the next financial year.
The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Ross Garrod, will be hosting a meeting for businesses about the 2023/24 budget and also the council’s business plan for 2023-2027.
The council also wants to ensure that businesses are aware of the latest business rates developments, including the 2023 Revaluation of all business properties in England which takes effect from 1 April. This means that small business rate relief is available for businesses with a property rateable value less than £15,000. Some rateable values have reduced, which could benefit more businesses.
Feedback from businesses will be taken into account before the final council budget for 2023/24 is agreed by full council at a public meeting on 1 March.
Councillor Garrod said: “The cost of living emergency, with high inflation, soaring energy bills and increased costs has hit businesses hard, just as they were starting to emerge from the devastating impact of the pandemic.
“As one of the first councils to declare a cost of living emergency, we are committed to doing all we can to support businesses through these tough times, particularly as many are small, independent companies and family-run firms.
“I’d like to invite businesses to attend this meeting to hear more about the challenges they are facing and what we can do to support a thriving local economy during the coming years.”
Last year, the council launched the Merton Local app, which is free to download. Businesses list their profile free of charge and the app connect them with new customers from across Merton. Find out more at merton.gov.uk/mertonlocal
The council also has a regular e-newsletter for businesses. Sign up at merton.gov.uk/newsletter
The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre, with the option to join online via Zoom, on Wednesday 15 February between 6pm-7pm. If you would like to attend, please email elaine.connaughton@merton.gov.uk to register and details will be sent to you.