Victims of summer floods get £1m in rate rebates

01 February 2008

The rating team at SGP has so far secured over £1m in rate rebates on behalf of commercial clients from local authorities as a direct result of the heavy flooding last Summer.

SGP is one of the only companies in the UK to offer a specialist rating service on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis with a team of ex-local authority employees. SGP says the 15,000 or so commercial flood victims are often unaware that they could claim back a proportion of their rates from local authorities, citing ‘hardship’ – which, whilst not specifically defined in law, includes properties affected by floods where stock was not removed. With settlements averaging £20,000 per claim SGP has secured rebates for flood-damaged properties that include retail units, commercial offices, warehouses and sports facilities.

‘Local councils can award discretionary relief for businesses whose trade is affected not only by flooding but also through refurbishment of either a part of, or an entire building. If the case is appropriately presented, the claim can be successful - in Sheffield alone we clawed back around £400,000 for businesses that couldn’t trade,’ commented Kevin Elliott, MD of SGP. ‘Businesses have until 31 March 08 to put in their 2007 claims. We would be delighted to use our expertise to successfully negotiate rate relief and exemptions to support organisations that have already gone through a substantial period of disruption.’