Cut in business rates would help Wick town centre regeneration
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A REDUCTION in business rates would help plans to regenerate Wick town centre – but Highland Council has limited powers to cut the bills.
That was one of the key messages at the latest meeting of retailers, local councillors and other interested parties as ideas were discussed to help improve the centre of the town.
Traffic management, parking and income generation were also discussed at the gathering the Norseman Hotel which attracted around 30 people.
Raymond Bremner, one of the four Wick and East Caithness Highland councillors, said many members of the public would like to see the local authority cutting the business rates for retailers but he stressed it has "limited powers with regards to non-domestic rates".
He said: "The council does not set the rates – the assessor does. What was very welcome was some of the advice Brian Murison [the council's revenues manager] gave in respect of what rates relief may be available and may not be known to all. He was more than happy to discuss that with those in attendance.
"We were made aware of the concerns in respect of rateable values at the previous meeting in the town hall and we asked the officer to attend to provide clarification but also to see if there was anything that could be done to assist local businesses and to see if there were any reductions or schemes that were available to assist them.
"Hopefully, some of the concession schemes that are available will be helpful to our town centre businesses. We are hoping that by continuing to discuss issues we can identify people who can try and help us, and Brian Murison’s attendance and presentation was a really good example of this."
It was agreed to look at other areas, such as Kirkwall and Kirkcudbright, to see what they did to regenerate their town centres, while it was suggested some derelict buildings could be knocked down to create more parking space.
Clarification is sought on vehicle accessibility when double yellow lines are introduced and whether charging for parking would be counter-productive.
Speaking on behalf of the Wick councillors after the meeting, Councillor Bremner said: "It was great to meet with town centre stakeholders again following the initial meeting in the town hall in April.
"It was a constructive evening with an open and frank exchange of views. These discussions are not without their frustrations but there was positive and considerate debate and contribution from all. Some excellent points were put forward and have been collated for further discussion and will also be sent to the appropriate council officers.
"We are really looking forward to the public meeting which takes place on Monday in Mackays Hotel at 7.30pm."
