MANY market traders are missing out on the coronavirus business rates relief scheme which they say is costing them around 50 per cent more in rent.

The government’s Covid-19 business rates relief has benefitted some traders in Bury Market – but only indoor market traders are eligible for the scheme.

This is because under the rules, local authorities are not entitled to rates relief so the council, which owns the market, is still paying rates for some stalls.

While indoor stalls are treated as separate units, making them eligible for the scheme, the outdoor market has been assessed as one unit by the valuation office agency, making the council liable for paying the rates as its landlord.

Bury Council passes on the cost of business rates for the outdoor market stalls to traders, who say this makes up around a third of their bills in rent.

A council spokesman said: “We have always valued our famous market, and recognised the difficulties traders have had since the lockdown.

“We have distributed £1m of small business grants and discretionary funding to traders, and given them all a rent holiday from mid-March until July at a cost to the council of £720,000.

“Bury gave a total of 14 weeks rent concession to traders, far more than has been provided elsewhere across Greater Manchester, and this has been warmly welcomed by the majority of traders, who are happy to be back in business.

“The council is also processing and allocating discretionary government funding to traders who are leaseholders, based on annual rent payments. Daily licence traders who do not qualify will be awarded the equivalent of three months’ rent by the council.”

The Bury Times understands that other council-owned properties, such as Radcliffe Market and Bradley Fold Trading Estate may also be affected.

Conservative councillors have asked the borough’s two Tory MPs to tell the government to change the rules to allow local authorities to benefit from business rates relief as landlords – but they have been unsuccessful so far.

Labour councillor Jane Black is the cabinet member for the cultural economy.

She said: “At a time when budgets are stretched because of years of austerity and a pandemic, this council has done far more than many other market towns to support and protect market traders, and to develop a strong vision for its long term future.

“Work has already started on a £1.3m programme which includes refurbishment of the Market Hall toilets, replacement of Market Hall lifts, improvement signage and additional security measures.

“Councillors have approved a further £50,000 to draw up a masterplan for the market and for the surrounding town centre.

“Long-term options could include a multi-use ‘flexi hall’ which would provide an enhanced visitor experience on market days and a seven day a week cultural, food and entertainment venue.

“This development could be adjacent to the Interchange site, which itself will be subject to major redevelopment.

“Shorter-term options include reviewing trading days, parking charges, internet access for traders and linking in with events held during Bury’s year as the first Greater Manchester Town of Culture.”