Anna Dixon MP secures win for Grange Road Library after business rates campaign
Anna Dixon MP for Shipley has this week welcomed confirmation from Bradford Council that Burley Parish Council will no longer be left to cover the cost of business rates on Grange Road Library.
The change had been implemented in April this year and saw the Parish Council facing a £4,500 bill for business rates to run Grange Road Library.
Following representations from Anna Dixon MP, local Wharfedale Ward Councillors, and residents, Bradford Council's Business Rates team has now confirmed that the situation has been resolved and that the Libraries Service will continue to meet the ongoing cost of the non-domestic rates for the library.
The Council has also agreed to refund any payments already made on the account and to arrange an internal transfer of funds from the Libraries Service to cover them going forward.
Speaking today, Anna Dixon MP said:
“This is absolutely fantastic news for Burley Parish Council and everyone who uses and cares about Grange Road Library. It was absolutely wrong that the Parish Council should be left to pick up a bill that, in reality, was the Libraries Service's responsibility.
“I am delighted that after raising this issue directly with the Council, they've now agreed to put things right. It is very positive that the Council will now be refunding the money already paid and ensuring the ongoing costs are covered internally in future.
“I want to thank the local Councillors and everyone locally who helped make the case for this change. It is a great example of what can happen when the community comes together and holds the Council to account.”
