Julian Smith CBE MP has today called for those businesses most affected by the ongoing closure of the A59 at Kex Gill to be granted a temporary rates reduction to offset the severe financial impact of the closure.
The A59 has been closed since early February after a crack appeared following a landslip, caused by a prolonged period of poor weather. The stretch of road between Skipton and Blubberhouses has remained closed since then while extensive repairs are undertaken.
The severity of the landslip and the subsequent gap in the carriageway increasing daily has prevented the road re-opening since it first closed, even under two-way lights. Whilst repairs are underway – expected to be completed by July – a diversionary route is in place.
The impact of this five-month closure on local businesses sited along this stretch of the A59 has been immense, with footfall plummeting as road users follow the diversionary route and no return to normality due for over a month yet.
Since the road first closed, Julian has met twice with the Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council. These meetings have focussed on both the speedy and safe re-opening of the road and ensuring that residents and businesses affected by the closure are appropriately supported.
Last week, Julian visited the extensive repair scheme currently underway at the site, which is due to be completed by the end of June. Today, he has called on the Valuation Office Agency and North Yorkshire Council to consider a temporary reduction in business rates for those that have been most severely hit by the closure, writing to the Chief Executive of both organisations.
In his letters, he emphasised that, while there is no statutory right to compensation as a result of road closures, the extraordinary financial impact this ongoing closure continues to have on businesses – through no fault of their own – warrants an examination of alternative means of mitigation.
He wrote: “A reduction in business rates is not a silver bullet but it will help ensure that these businesses can weather the storm and give them a fighting chance when the road does re-open, hopefully, at the end of the month.”
This follows Julian’s continued engagement with numerous local businesses who have been severely impacted by the closure.
Today, Julian Smith said, “This latest closure has had a devastating impact on local businesses sited along the stretch of the A59 affected by the landslip.
“Since early February, I have received hundreds of emails from local residents and businesses who have been hit hard by the closure. Having met with North Yorkshire Council on numerous occasions and now having visited the site, I am convinced that they are doing everything they can to re-open the road as swiftly and as safely as possible.
“That does not mean, however, that we shouldn’t also be doing everything possible to support those most affected. Temporarily reducing business rates would provide a small but crucial reprieve in the face of this five-month closure.
“I would strongly urge North Yorkshire Council and the Valuation Office Agency to recognise this and put together a package of measures that provides these businesses with the necessary support until the road re-opens.”
