PORTHMADOG traders claim they are being unfairly treated when it comes to business rates compared with other nearby towns.

Business owners in the county will see their tax rates change from April 2017 onwards, after the Valuation Office Agency carried out a review of the rateable value of all businesses in Wales.

People running businesses in Porthmadog believe they are being charged more in business rates than nearby towns, such as Caernarfon and Pwllheli, and are upset that those properties with a rateable value of over £12,000 are not able to benefit from the Small Business Rate Relief scheme.

Cllr Jason Humphreys, who represents Porthmadog East on Gwynedd Council, is calling for the valuation agency to explain the valuations placed on businesses in Porthmadog.

He said: “Because most of Porthmadog’s High Street businesses are already rated higher than comparable ones in nearby towns, they face the additional insult of not benefitting from the Small Business Rates Reduction Scheme because those rated higher than £12,000 get no help.

"Most are now facing a hike of 10 per cent, but one independent high street concern has been alerted of a rise from £51,500 to £65,000.

“Our high street is facing numerous challenges, but received only £40,000 over three years though the Town Centre Partnership Scheme - a pittance compared to the level of public investment in other towns. With these and other considerations in mind, I’ve demanded an explanation for the crazy valuations placed generally on Porthmadog’s businesses by the Valuation Office Agency.”

Read the full story in today’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition of the Cambrian News