“DISGUSTING” increases in business rates may leave outlets fighting to stay aloft, traders warn.

The government is set to bring changes to business rates in April this year, which will result in huge increases for traders in the Maldon district.

Business rates – the commercial version of council tax – are based on the rentable value of the space occupied by the business, with some independent Maldon trailers already paying tens of thousands per year.

Graham Powell, owner of The Emporium of Maldon High Street, pays around £30,000 per year, which is set to increase between seven and ten per cent in April.

He said: “We were extremely disappointed to say the least, we’re the third highest contributor of business rates in the town, which is strong for an independent business, but we never imagined it would be something that would go up.

“I’ve been running things in Maldon for around 30 years, we’ve faced tough times through constant increase in parking charges and the rise of internet giants like Amazon, and while we remain successful, this will add another difficulty.

“We do plan to appeal it, but with these things there’s not much more you can do than stick with it and see what happens.”

Ray Brasted, owner of Yours in Sport on the High Street, faces a potential 30 per cent increase from his £6,500 annual rate.

He said: “Whilst the figure hasn’t been officially confirmed, if it’s anywhere near that it will be more proof that the government want to drive high streets and independent shops into the wall.

“We have the ever increasing minimum wage and pension scheme which every worker must be enrolled on, the constant online shopping increase and now further charges just for operating.

“If it comes out at 30 per cent increase I don’t know what we’ll do, that’s a good £2,000 on top of what we already pay.”

Chris Fugeman, owner of Marts Parts in Burnham, faces a £70 monthly increase, and said he will not be able to expand his business if charges increase.

He said: “In Burnham we don’t have the same foot traffic as places like Chelmsford, yet the local governments keep raising rates expecting us to compete with the big brands.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful and disgusting, as an independent trader I want to expand my business and improve it, and the authorities may champion more business and local industry, but when you get to a certain level they slap fines on you.

“When these charges go ahead, instead of having more floor space and workers, I would have to let people go and reduce the amount I have.”

A government spokesman said: “Our regions have huge economic potential, and can be a catalyst to driving economic growth across the country.

“The revaluation of business rates will help make sure bills are accurate, with nearly three quarters of businesses seeing a fall, or no change. In fact, the generous reliefs we are introducing mean that 600,000 small businesses are paying no rates at all – something we’re making permanent so they never pay these bills again.

“And across the country, there’s also a £3.6billion scheme to support companies affected by the business rates revaluation.”