Victory for Traders As Rates Temporarily Slashed After Gallows Corner Gridlock Batters Local Businesses.

Local firms impacted by the long-running Gallows Corner flyover works are set to receive a temporary reduction in business rates following sustained lobbying by Havering Council.

Businesses in the immediate area and directly affected by the prolonged disruption caused by the Gallows Corner flyover works will receive a temporary reduction in business rates. The move follows months of relentless lobbying by Havering Council on behalf of local traders.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has confirmed it will apply a temporary reduction in rateable value for eligible businesses whose operations have been significantly affected by road closures, altered traffic flows, and sustained construction activity linked to the major infrastructure project. The Council has consistently pressed for this action due to the severe disruption local firms have endured.

This is not a business rates relief scheme administered by the Council; the reduction is applied directly by the VOA, following evidence supplied and repeated representations from the Council.

Who is eligible?
A blanket reduction will be applied for businesses located in the following most-affected areas:

• South End Arterial Road
• Ashton Road
• Ashton Gate
• Tunbridge Road

Businesses outside these areas who believe they have been negatively affected can still pursue the VOA’s standard Check, Challenge, Appeal process.

How the reduction works
The reduction will be backdated to 23 June, the start of the Gallows Corner closure period. It will remain in place until the works are substantially completed, such as when the roundabout and major road closures end.

Once the scheme concludes and works are finished, rateable values will revert to normal and future bills will reflect the change.

Businesses paying by Direct Debit will automatically receive refunds where accounts move into credit; others will be able to claim refunds after receiving amended bills.

The Council will be writing directly to all eligible businesses to confirm the changes, the temporary nature of the reduction, and what to expect next.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“This is a significant win for our local businesses and the direct result of the tireless lobbying we have carried out on their behalf. For months, we have pressed every responsible body to acknowledge the serious impact these prolonged works have had on trade, footfall, and day-to-day operations.”

“While I am pleased that the VOA has now acted, our stance remains clear: Havering is firmly on the side of local businesses. We will continue to push TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water for a definitive finish date for this project. The continuing uncertainty is unacceptable, and we will keep fighting to ensure our residents and businesses get the clarity and fairness they deserve.”

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