PROPOSED business rate rises will destroy small businesses across Monmouthshire and have been slammed as unfair at a public meeting.

Around 50 business owners attended a public meeting at Usk Memorial Hall to vent their anger at proposals from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

As the Argus reported yesterday, Monmouthshire council has urged the Welsh Government to postpone the rise, set to come into force next April, amid concerns that businesses face huge increases - despite reductions elsewhere, including Cardiff.

One business owner told the meeting the rise would “kill” the town of Usk, and there are similar concerns for other areas in the county.

Resentment at what are perceived as unrealistic increases - which one business owner labelled “criminal” - is widespread, as is a feeling that consultation was inadequate.

Chairman David Cummings said Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce was not contacted about a six-week consultation that ended early in November.

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay, who organised the meeting, said: “The rates took a lot of people by surprise. Initially there was a lack of clarity on of just the effect it was having on the area, a lack of understanding how parts of Wales were being affected. Businesses in Monmouthshire have been suffering enough and there’s very little slack in left in the system.”

The VOA has published draft valuations to give businesses the opportunity to go online and check their proposed assessments.

If businesses think information about their property is factually incorrect and therefore do not agree with the proposed level of assessment, they can contact the VOA by e-mailing nsorevalenquiries@voa.gsi.gov.uk

The new rates are effective from April 1 next year. Only at that point can a formal appeal be made.

Those failing to ask for a review by April 1 will be billed on the proposed assessments. If they launch an appeal after that date they must start paying the new rates.

They will also only be able to claim back any incorrect amount if a formal review is requested and the case is proved.