By Paul Reoch

A PERTH florist feels that “crippling” water rates could spell the end for a host of small businesses in the city.

Hazel Fraser, who owns Hazel’s Flower House in South Street, was one of several businesses to be hit by the demands from Scottish Water this week.

Her bill for the financial year, April 1 until March 31, 2008, amounts to £832.69, which she yesterday described as “ridiculous.”

She claimed that there had been no prior warning about this bill and that, combined with her business rates, there is little point continuing in business in Perth.

“I received this charge on Wednesday and was almost crying—it’s a phenomenal bill,” she told The Courier. “I’m already faced with rates payable to Perth and Kinross Council of around £5000 and have been told there will be no reduction for the water charge.”

She continued, “Nobody told us these bills would be coming. I’ve been informed that Mojo’s cafe next door have also received a water bill for £1300.

“This is a crippling rate and I just feel like calling it a day.”

Ms Fraser said that she inquired about installing a private meter and hit out at the payment options available on the bill from Scottish Water.

“I said that I was considering having a private water meter built but was told that only Scottish Water can install this, at a cost of £5000,” she added. “They said they will be putting in free water meters but this will be only be effective from next year.

“Our rates have never come down, but I thought the water charge was included in this figure.

“I only have a sink and a toilet so how can they justify charging nearly £900? There is no compensation for this and on the bill it states that the only payment option is direct debit, which is just nonsense.

“This means that from September 1, I will be paying £118.99 per month, which is a lot to add on to your budget. I also have advertising costs and £600 rent to pay.

“I’m sure this will result in a lot of small businesses in Perth having to close down.”

Ms Fraser also hit out at Perth and Kinross Council, claiming they failed to notify her of a reduction in her business rates.

“As I run a small business, I’m entitled to a 30% reduction in my rates,” she explained. “But I expected this discount to continue and got a shock when I looked at my bank statement and noticed that they had returned to the maximum level.

“When I contacted the council, I was told that I have to keep applying for this reduction, but I wasn’t informed about this. It’s as if the council don’t care about businesses in Perth.”

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said, “We sent a renewal form to this lady on January 8, which she didn’t respond to, so her rates went up as a result. She has since realised her mistake and reapplied.

“We have agreed to reinstate her 30% discount for this year and she should receive a letter next week to that effect. Her payments will be reduced and the discount will be backdated to April 1 of this year.”

Gordon Todd, Head of Customer Experience at Scottish Water Business Stream said, “After investigating our records, it appears that this is the first water bill these premises have ever received as they were previously registered as vacant.

“Because the florist does not currently have a meter, the water usage is unmeasured and therefore calculated solely on the rateable value of the business premises.

“We would welcome further contact with the customer to in vestigate whether the premises are suitable for a meter. We are happy to conduct a site survey to see if a meter can be installed.

“In relation to paying the bill, direct debit is our preferred option as it allows customers to spread payments over a period of time, though we do accept other methods of payment,” Mr Todd continued. “We understand that the florist has in fact opted for direct debit.”