SHOPS in Witney are still struggling to adapt to business rate rises despite support from the Government.

The Witney Gazette revealed earlier this year that some small businesses were struggling after being dealt significant increases in their rates bills.

West Oxfordshire District Council has been encouraging businesses hit with the steepest rate rises to apply for discretionary relief of up to £11,500.

Earlier this month the district council awarded more than 100 small and medium businesses some relief.

But despite the available support, some business owners in the town have suggested that much more could be done to help keep independent stores on the high street.

Rosa Ashby, of florist Rosa Flowers in Wesley Walk, said she had still not been officially told how much relief she would receive, despite a council document suggesting it would be nearly £600.

She said: “We are receiving something. Somebody from the council said they would get back to me.

"Until we hear any more we don’t know how much we’re going to get – but I don’t feel it’s going to be a great deal.

“At the end of the day there just isn’t enough being done for small businesses and retailers are getting quite a raw deal out of this.”

More than 100 small and medium sized businesses that have a rateable value of less than £200,000 a year and who are, this year, facing large rate rises of more than £600, are set to receive relief – with others encouraged to see if they are eligible.

Jeanne Chattoe, who has run the Renaissance vintage clothing store, in Wesley Walk, for 15 years saw the amount she pays annually rise from £3,812.45 to £5,442.00.

Ms Chattoe said she had filled out the form for relief but had heard nothing back from the council.

She added: “I don’t think enough is being done. Retail is hard enough as it is without a rise like that.

“Central government could do a lot more.

"I don’t blame West Oxfordshire District Council. I appreciate that they’re in a difficult position and under a lot of pressure.

“It’s all just a very slow process and everything is still up in the air.”

Leader of Witney Town Council and deputy leader of WODC Toby Morris said the council was doing all it could to maintain the district’s economy.

He said: “Supporting smaller businesses is crucial to maintaining our buoyant local economy.

"We have therefore done all we can to encourage discretionary relief applications from those facing steep rises in their rates bills.

"This has included including writing to all local firms impacted by the revaluation, social media posts, press releases and our day-to-day contacts with local firms.

“We have agreed this first tranche of reliefs but are dealing with new applications all the time so any business owners who think they may be eligible for relief should contact the council urgently.”

Those who think they may be eligible can call the council on 01993 861070.

In addition to the discretionary relief, the council’s small business rate relief scheme is available for eligible businesses occupying premises with a rateable value of less than £15,000.

Further details are on westoxon.gov.uk/businessrates