New Charges For Businesses Introduced

Monmouthshire County Council have recently started the process to introduce new charges on businesses within Monmouthshire. 

The new charges, which apply to any business who advertise on A boards outside the shop, have retail areas, or provide seating are due to be charged by the county council. 

Charges start at a one off fee of £50 for retailers wishing to erect an A board. 

For seating or sale areas, the prices are on a tiered basis, however there is also an application fee which is applicable of £125.00, more information on charges is below;

MCC Proposal 

A BOARDS – £50 one off application

SEATING / SALE RAILS / DISPLAYS. First application will always be £125.

Annual renewal will be based on area occupied;

Sqm rates : 0 to 6 = £120

                      6 to 12 =£240

                      12 to 18 = £360 Larger areas not permitted

Caldicot Town Team strongly feel that this is an unnecessary charge to be enforced within Caldicot town centre. The town centre is pedestrianised, which means A Boards and Seating does not cause obstruction to the public. by blocking pavements or sides of roads. We agree that perhaps in “drive through’ towns, such as Abergavenny and Monmouth monitoring and restrictions may need to be placed on pavements, however this is not an issue in the town centre.

Businesses in Caldicot already feel that Monmouthshire County Council are not investing enough to help regenerate the town. The last thing businesses need is to be penalised and have more charges imposed in such a difficult time.

Caldicot Town Team have formally written to Monmouthshire County Council, but have yet to receive a response, a petition has also been signed by business owners and managers opposing the charges.

We are aware of the massive cuts facing the County Council each year, however by bringing in new charges to the businesses in Monmouthshire is going to have a negative effect throughout the county.  

We will keep you updated with developments on this, If businesses wish to object to these new charges, please send an email to: Steve Lane/Highways Department, Monmouthshire County Council

The Full proposal by Monmouthshire County Council can be found here