STRUGGLING sub-postmasters can continue to apply for business rate relief or hardship grants from St Albans District Council.

Continuation of the scheme was approved by members at a meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday, June 12, after councillors heard that some inner-city sub-postmasters are struggling to remain open in the face of growing competition.

The crisis facing urban post offices mirrors problems already felt by their rural counterparts as they attempt to compete against the powerful supermarket chains for limited trade.

The district council has set aside £46,660 for business rate relief a discretionary system set up to reduce and remit rates in the face of exceptional hardship.

Individual consideration is given to each case and assistance only provided if the applicant can prove the sustainability of the business is in the interests of the local community.

Currently three of the district's post offices are subject to rural rate relief but councillors heard that some of the greatest hardship is faced by urban post offices with a limited or transient local population.

Councillor Malcolm MacMillan, who chaired the cabinet, said that such temporary relief may have helped the former Napsbury post office to survive until the housing development that now lies on the site was completed.

And Councillor Chris Oxley, portfolio holder for resources, added: "We have a responsibility for community leadership and to make sure that people have access to services like these."

June 19, 2002 17:30