A new campaign is calling for an urgent review of business rates in Bangor, with supporters saying the current system is placing increasing pressure on independent businesses and contributing to the decline of the city’s High Street.
An online petition has been launched urging the Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council to press for a reassessment of business rates in Bangor, arguing that the current rateable values no longer reflect the economic challenges faced by local traders.
The petition claims high business rates are placing an unsustainable burden on many businesses, leading to shop closures, empty premises and reduced footfall. Campaigners say a review could help create a fairer system that supports existing businesses while encouraging new investment in the city centre.
The campaign was inspired by a meeting with Bethany from Caffi Cysur, who spoke openly about the day-to-day challenges of running a business on Bangor High Street.
Nigel Pickavance, Councillor for Dwyrain Ward in Bangor, said: “We sat down with Bethany from Caffi Cysur to listen to her experiences and the challenges she’s facing. It was very sad to hear about her struggles, which are shared by many other businesses across Bangor High Street. Year after year, not enough is being done to address the issues they face.
“One of the biggest problems is business rates. The current 15% rates relief simply isn’t enough to help businesses survive. We want to see a fair review of the current rateable values that reflects the reality of trading on Bangor High Street today. We’re encouraging businesses, residents and anyone who cares about the future of our city centre to get behind the petition so we can show the strength of feeling and press for change.”
The petition calls for an immediate review of the current business rate system, with campaigners urging the authorities to consider greater rate relief for smaller businesses, revised rate bands and more frequent reviews that better reflect the economic conditions of Bangor’s High Street.
Supporters argue that a fairer rating system would help existing businesses survive, encourage new traders to invest in the city centre and reduce the number of vacant shops.
As part of the campaign, organisers will begin visiting businesses across Bangor High Street asking them to display QR codes linking directly to the petition. They also hope to bring traders together behind the campaign and are considering organising a public awareness march to highlight the issue.
The group also hopes to work with local Members of the Senedd, MPs and other key stakeholders to press for changes to the current rating system, arguing that business rates should better reflect the level of trade and footfall experienced by Bangor businesses.
The petition states that a thriving High Street is vital to Bangor’s future and says urgent action is needed to help protect local businesses, safeguard jobs and breathe new life back into the city centre.
Residents and business owners wishing to support the campaign can sign the online petition.https://www.change.org/p/reevaluate-business-rates-in-bangor-gwynedd
Campaigners are also appealing for the support of a local business willing to print 300 campaign posters free of charge. The posters will be displayed in shop windows throughout the city centre to encourage residents and visitors to sign the petition and show their support for Bangor’s High Street.
Photos: (1) Bangor High Street (2) Local Councillors discussed the problems facing independent businesses with Bethany from Caffi Cysur on Bangor High Street.
