Highland Council warns of rates reduction scam
Highland Council Trading Standards is warning of ‘rates reduction’ firms who are targeting businesses in the region.
The local authority’s finance service has raised concerns when they began to receive calls from local firms about receiving unsolicited marketing letters.
Some companies have received letters suggesting that they could receive a large reduction in non-domestic rates and in some instances that a back dated refund of this charge could be available by submitting an appeal. The letter included that the services provided would attract a fee.
In all calls that the council has received from businesses in response to such letters to date, no refunds or reduction in rates have been applicable.
Council spokesman David MacKenzie said: "Businesses would not have to pay a fee in order to ask for their rates to be reviewed. Such a request should be lodged with their local council.
"We are concerned that local businesses may be duped into paying for something that they can obtain free of charge from their local council."
Allan Gunn, Head of Revenues and Business Support of Highland Council’s Finance Service, commented: "Local Highland businesses can receive free advice and information on how their non-domestic rates are calculated for their business properties and their rates can be reviewed if circumstances should change.
"We would urge local businesses to contact us directly for free and confidential advice if they have any queries regarding their current rates."
The council can be emailed at: nondomesticrates@highland.gov.uk or contacted by telephone on 01463 702984.
