Businesses urged to have their say on Council budget plans

8.47.03pm GMT Sun 10th Feb 2008

• LOCAL businesses have been invited to have their say on Council budget plans for the coming financial year at a special consultation event on Monday February 18.

They will have a chance to air their views on Council spending proposals at the lunchtime event. Although the Council has no say in business rate changes (these are set by Government and income from them paid to the Government) there will be information available on how these are calculated for each business and the discounts available. At the same time the Council will be launching two business guides, and information on training and support services available to business leaders in the borough. Richmond Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Stephen Knight, who will attend the event, said this week:

"The event underlines our commitment to local businesses and is a vital opportunity for them to have their say on key budget proposals. We hope as many people as possible from the business communities will attend."