Positive news for Wrexham store as business rates issue clarified

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, received confirmation yesterday that Debenhams in Wrexham will benefit from the Welsh Government’s business rate relief scheme.

Under Welsh Government guidelines, all retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales will receive a year-long business rates holiday if the property’s rateable value is up to and including £500,000.

Wrexham Debenhams rateable value is exactly £500,000 so the store will qualify for the year-long relief.

Debenhams had warned all its stores across Wales – including Wrexham – could close permanently unless business rate relief was secured.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “A number of constituents contacted me about this issue.  Local residents were worried about the impact it would have on the town centre and employees were understandably concerned for their livelihoods.”

“After making representations to the Welsh Government and Debenhams, I am pleased this has been clarified and the news is positive for Wrexham.  We are living through stressful times so I hope this explanation will at least provide reassurance and comfort to Wrexham Debenhams workforce in particular.”

“Clearly the coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on the economy and I will continue to do all I can to support Wrexham’s businesses in the weeks and months ahead.”

Fewer than 200 properties across Wales are expected to be affected by the Welsh Government’s decision to cap the business rates relief.  The Welsh Government believe the decision will release approximately £117 million to kick-start the economic crisis fund.

All business with a rateable value of over £500,000 were contacted by Business Wales as there were opportunities to apply for discretionary support through the Economic Resilience Fund on a case-by-case basis.