The Federation of Small Businesses has voiced concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the £300million hardship fund for companies affected by rates increases.

The organisation said its members were not receiving the help from the fund that was promised to them by Chancellor Philip Hammond in the Spring Budget.

It follows reports yesterday that delays in providing help to business owners affected by rates rises was causing panic, confusion and alarm.

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chairman Mike Cherry (pictured) said: "Small businesses were given a cast-iron guarantee that the General Election would not delay implementation of rates relief initiatives.

"The £300million hardship fund for councils promised by the Chancellor and Communities Secretary in the Budget was a significant win that FSB fought hard to achieve.

"Every local authority has known its fund allocation since April, so they should not be chasing small business owners for inflated bills as they have not got round to devising their distribution schemes.

"FSB calls on Government to issue guidance to local authorities that puts a moratorium on pursuing small businesses for these incorrect bills, which would need to be refunded as soon as a local authority gets its house in order.

"The first order of business for the Communities Secretary in the next government should be to get a grip and make sure the promised help is delivered in the first month of office."

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