High business rate in Tiverton are choking the town and making it nearly impossible for small businesses to be viable. Many people complain about the large number of charity shops in the area, and although charity shops are for a good cause they are out-competing local small businesses, and they bring very little to the local area. Charities pay much lower rates(if at all) and are run by volunteers so do not create viable jobs Mid Devon County Council seriously needs to re-asses how business rates are calculated for small businesses, the high business rates achieve nothing, the funds they generate are a drop in the ocean to the council and all they achieve is driving small retailers out of business If business rates were reduced it would give smaller retailers a chance to get a proper foothold and fill some of the empty shops, I speak from experience when I say it is hard enough to run a viable business in Tiverton, you are lucky if you manage to cover the rent and the rates and have enough left over for a pork pie! Having extortionate business rates is a false economy, it may bring in some money but it kills smaller businesses, if the rates are less there will be MORE viable businesses which means MORE rates payed to the council! And less empty shops! If you would like to help bring the town centre back to life then sign this survey 

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