Widespread confusion over commercial rates valuations could have been avoided if the Valuation Office had explained the new system to business people throughout County Roscommon prior to the delivery of letters last week- that’s according to Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy.
Commenting on the issue Deputy Murohy said “There was widespread anger, frustration and alarm over the way the commercial rates valuation was delivered to business people. Many people opened up their letters last week and some were thought that their rates liability had increased by 200 to 300% but they may not have read the small print.
“The figure must be multiplied by the annual rate of valuation which is set annually by Roscommon County Council and it is envisaged that this figure for 2018 will be 0.25%. Therefore the rates should be approximately one quarter of the figure received in the letter,” said Deputy Murphy.
The Fianna Fáil TD same that numerous business people had contacted him in the past week in relation to the matter and he noted that commercial rates were still too high in County Roscommon compared to neighbouring counties.
“I was contacted this week by some businesses who actually had a reduction in their rates under this new system but the majority saw increases of between €400 to thousands in some cases,” said Deputy Murphy.
High Rates must be urgently addressed
The Fianna Fáil TD said that businesses in Roscommon were paying higher levels of rates per square metre than many other counties and this must be urgently addressed. He added that Roscommon Councillors will now have to try to ensure that there is a reduction in the rates when they strike the rate for 2018.
“Many small to medium sized businesses throughout County Roscommon are already struggling to keep their heads above water and any additional overheads or increases in rates could cripple some business people- it’s difficult enough to be in business in rural Ireland without adding more obstacles to the mix,” said Deputy Murphy.
Queries
The Fianna Fáil TD said that officials from the Valuation Office would be attending the county council offices in Roscommon on Monday, January 30th (details here) and Leitrim on Monday, February 6th which would give business people to query their proposed valuation while he also pointed out that there is a helpline to all on 01 8171033.
“Ratepayers who are dissatisfied with the Proposed Valuation Certificate may make representations to the valuation manager up to and including 21st February 2017. Final Valuation Certificates will be issued in September 2017 and will take effect from January 2018,” said Deputy Murphy.