SIXTEEN businesses or charities have applied to Powys County Council for Hardship Rate Relief.

This week, finance portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies (Conservative – Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant/Llansilin), has been deciding in private who will receive discretionary help from the council.

Business Rates known as National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) are collected by local authorities on behalf of the Welsh Government who then pay back a percentage to councils.

All across the UK, High Streets are struggling and Powys is no exception.

This is due to people changing buying online, or not spending so much because of stagnant wages.

People are also prioritising their money for leisure experiences and holidays.

This year Powys received 16 applications which is two less than the number of applications received last year.

In 2017-18 the cost of Hardship Relief was  was £5990.55 and in 2018/19 it is expected to be .£3189.33.

Applicants are expected to provide full accounts for the last two financial years or most recent accounts if trading for less than two years, along with details of projected income for the current financial year.

The accounts may be reviewed to help in the decision making process.

They also need to show why hardship will occur if the application is refused.

The impact the closing the business would have on employment in the

area, and if the amenities available to the public would be reduced if the

business closes is also considered when deciding applications.