5 January 2009

Members of the local business community will have the chance to get advice on how to help beat the credit crunch at Guildford Borough Council's annual Council Tax consultation meeting on 12 January. Business ratepayers can find out how they might be able to reduce their bill and hear more about new developments, the 2009 Council Tax budget and the 2010 revaluation.

Cllr Andrew Hodges, Leader of the Council says: "We encourage all local business people to attend this important meeting. It is their chance to let the Council know their views on the services that matter to them and find out about important developments in business rates for the coming year."

The meeting is an important opportunity for members of the business community to feed their views about the services the Council provides into spending plans for the coming year and beyond. It is also a good opportunity to network with leaders and members of local business organisations.

More information on the business rate system will be provided at the meeting including changes to the empty property rating arrangements, the 2009 multiplier, the small business rate relief scheme, and advice on action you can take if your business is adversely affected by local redevelopment.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, Millmead House, Millmead at 5.30pm on 12 January 2009. Please email Brates@guildford.gov.uk if you would like to attend.