Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 29 May 2001 For Use: Immediately

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RATES RELIEF - FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

Although effective measures have been taken to prevent any occurrence of FMD in the Western Isles the Scottish Executive have recognised that businesses have been adversely affected throughout Scotland even in areas where the disease has not broken out.

They have therefore introduced a scheme whereby they will increase their contribution to any hardship relief granted by Councils for the period 1 April to 30 June and in respect of premises with rateable values of less than £12,000 to assist businesses affected by the outbreak of FMD. Councils must ensure that any relief is directed to deserving cases suffering genuine hardship as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.

In allowing relief the Comhairle must consider each individual case on its merits and take the following into account

• The scheme should provide relief from genuine hardship, not to compensate for lost income and should be confined to the worst affected businesses.
• Relief should be directed to deserving cases suffering genuine hardship as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.
• The type of business concerned. Businesses in the agricultural, tourism and related sectors are likely to have been worst affected but there is no restriction on eligibility.
• The effects on the business concerned.
• Relief should only be given for the period during which genuine hardship is felt.
  

The Finance sub-committee of the Comhairle has agreed that hardship relief should be granted for a period not exceeding 3 months from 1 April 2001 to businesses affected by the FMD outbreak where they occupy premises with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.

An application form for relief is available from the Non-Domestic Rates Section of the Comhairle’s Finance Department, Sandwick Road, Stornoway HS1 2BW (Phone 01851 709568)

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer