Heywood Model Railway Group celebrates council tax relief after successful appeal

Heywood Model Railway Group has successfully challenged its soaring council tax rates levied by Rochdale Council, following an article in Rochdale Online that highlighted the club may be forced to close.

The club, which was stunned by the sudden imposition of business rates for the first time in its history, can now breathe a sigh of relief after securing a significant reduction in its rates bill.

Paul Stephenson, a partner in the firm Porter and Gunn Associates, reached out to the club after reading the article.
 

Read more: Heywood Model Railway Group faces closure amid rising business ratesPublished: 26 July 2024

Porter and Gunn, specialists in rating appeals, offered to take up the club’s case against the council at no charge, regardless of the outcome.

The club accepted the offer, and on 20 August 2024, they received the news that the appeal had been successful. Under the Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure Relief scheme, Porter and Gunn secured a 75% reduction in the rates payable, offering the group much-needed financial relief.

 

 

Phil Evans, the club's secretary, expressed his gratitude: “We must extend our heartfelt thanks to Rochdale Online for highlighting our situation, and to Porter & Gunn for their swift and successful action on our behalf.”

This marks a significant victory for the Heywood Model Railway Group, which had previously been hit with a council tax bill of over £1,000 for the year 2024/2025.

This charge was a first in the club’s long history, as they had never been liable for business rates before.

Despite appealing the charges initially, the group had seen their requests rejected on the grounds that less than 75% of their members live within the Rochdale area.

The club had been facing an increasingly difficult financial situation, with rising rent, mounting maintenance costs, and a significant deficit between income and expenditure.

The recent rate relief will help ease the pressure on the group, allowing them to focus on maintaining their premises and continuing to enjoy their hobby.

The club continues to plan for the future, and hopes their upcoming exhibition at Rochdale Masonic Hall on Saturday 2 November will raise further awareness of their work and attract new members.

The Heywood Model Railway Group remains an important fixture in the community, and this latest development ensures that they can keep their doors open for enthusiasts both young and old for the foreseeable future.