VAT, Tax And PermitsIreland
Shop Owners Ask Councils To Freeze Business Rates Next Year
RGDATA wants a national freeze on commercial rates as councils such as Cork City plan a 7% rise for 2027.
In Short
- RGDATA has written to councils and the housing minister asking for a freeze on commercial rates.
- Cork City Council votes on 23 November on a budget that includes a 7% rise in rates.
- The group speaks for 3,000 independent food and convenience shops.
- It says more than 30,000 retail and wholesale jobs have gone since 2023.
A trade group for independent food shops wants local councils to hold business rates where they are. Councils are now drawing up their 2027 budgets, and some plan increases.
RGDATA has written to every local authority. It also wrote to the housing minister, James Browne, asking for a temporary national cap on commercial rates and other council charges.
Cork City Council will vote on 23 November on a budget that proposes a 7% rise in commercial rates. Other councils are preparing their own budget plans in the same weeks.
Businesses cannot be the answer to every budget shortfall.
RGDATA represents about 3,000 family-owned food and convenience shops. Its director general, Roseanne Regan, said businesses cannot be the answer to every budget shortfall.
The group also asked for more Exchequer money for local authorities, so that councils do not lean on business owners to fill gaps.
What Does This Mean For Your Restaurant?
Restaurants and pubs pay commercial rates too. If your council is voting on its 2027 budget, check the proposed rate and see whether your trade body is making a submission.
Sources
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