TRADERS have told the people responsible for huge hikes in York business rates what they think of the increases.

More than 40 businessmen and women from across the city attended a crisis meeting in Micklegate, where some of the deepest concerns have been expressed over the raised rateable values experienced by many businesses.

Senior representatives of the Valuation Office Agency also went to the meeting to explain how they calculated the new figures and to hear businesses’ complaints. The Reverend Richard Seed, the Archdeacon of York, who hosted the meeting at his church, Holy Trinity, said the officials were “fantastic,” listening to what people had to say and then staying behind to listen to individual complaints and advise traders how they could go about challenging increases.

The meeting was attended by York MP Hugh Bayley and council leader Andrew Waller, who revealed that 91 per cent of businesses in Micklegate, Bootham and Gillygate were facing an increase, according to an analysis by the council.

He urged people facing rises to give him the information so he could work with the Local Government Association at tackling the problem.

Mr Bayley said he had written to the Government to ask for extra help for businesses hit by an increase and asked the council to publicise relief schemes that were available.

He said 86 per cent of businesses in York faced an increase in rateable value, but because the penny-in-the-pound rate payable was falling, 60 per cent – 3,600 businesses – would pay lower rates this year than last and 40 per cent – 2,400 – would pay more.

As The Press has reported previously, Rumours bar, in Micklegate, is facing a doubling in its rateable value and the Castle Howard Ox in The Groves, facing a staggering tripling of its figure.

Landlords have warned that, coupled with beer duty rises and the impact of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, the increases could force more pubs to close.

The meeting was originally intended purely for Micklegate traders but its remit was expanded to the whole city after The Press articles revealed how widespread the problem was.

Mr Seed said the officials said rises were linked to rental values and the increases for many York businesses could be accounted for partly by the city’s buoyant economy before the recession started