Dear Madam - I note with interest a recent letter on the rates revaluation for retail businesses through REVAL 2015 We currently have Centra Stores in Derrylin, Clogher And Ballygawley. We currently employ approximately 80 people.

This proposed revaluation will have huge impact on the overheads of our business.

The Reval figures for our three stores range from between + 60 per cent and +70 per cent.

I consider it a serious injustice to be presented with an increase in any single overhead of 60/70 per cent without any substantial increase in associated service levels. If a supplier suggested an increase of that order in the current economic climate I think it’s fair to say he would not be a supplier to our business for too long.

I seem to remember that business rates were, at one time meant, to fund waste collection, water supply, sewage services etc.

As an operator of a business we are now also charged separately for waste disposal, water charges, sewage charges, packaging compliance etc in addition to rates. So we are expected to pay a shed load more for a whole lot less.

So to me, it would be more logical, to reduce business rates so as to reflect better services which are no longer funded by local council rates.

Una Lilley has already highlighted the inevitable impact which this increase is going to have on businesses such as ourselves.

This increase will lead to a huge rates bill hike in 2015 (a five figure sum) for our business. This is even more ridiculous considering the economy is currently running dangerously close to deflation.

It’s widely quoted that SME are the lifeblood of the local economy are are widely tipped to be the sector to lead the growth back into our stagnant economy. Land and Property Services are certainly making that one a bit of a long shot.

Regards John McDade