Small firms in Wales are welcoming the news that their government will be giving them more help with their business rates from April. The Welsh Assembly Government says that, from then, companies with a rateable value up to £7,800 will qualify for a 25 per cent reduction in their rates through rate relief, replacing the previous threshold of £6,500.
The threshold for 50 per cent general relief will also increase, from a rateable value of £2,000 to £2,400.
Ministers in the country said they're "committed to supporting businesses through the current economic climate" and emphasised the importance of helping firms that face an increase in their rate bills following the UK-wide non-domestic property revaluation exercise.
"The measures I have announced today mean that from next April over half of all business premises in Wales could qualify for this relief," observed local government minister Carl Sargeant.
The Federation of Small Businesses reckons the announcement marks a step in the right direction - but it's not "the complete solution". They want the whole issue of business rates to be revisited because they place a "phenomenal burden" on small companies, suggesting they should be calculated on the basis of performance instead of "the square footage of premises". 
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