BUSINESSES in St Helier face an increase in rates of almost a fifth after a parish assembly voted last night for an overall non-domestic rate of 2.24p per quarter.

More than 50 ratepayers attended the meeting, which fixed the parish rate at 1.1p, which, added to the new Islandwide non-domestic rate of 1.11p per quarter left businesses paying 2.24p per quarter this year – an increase of just over 18.5 per cent.

Last year’s rate for all ratepayers in the parish was 1.89p per quarter.

Retailer John Baker was one of a number of businessmen and women present concerned about the detrimental effect of the high rates on future trading prospects.

He said that although domestic rates were being reduced, the amount due to be paid by businesses had increased substantially.

Mr Baker said that in the end it would be domestic ratepayers footing some of that non-domestic bill because retailers struggling in a difficult financial climate would face the possibility of having to put their prices up and be less able to increase staff wages.