WESTON'S youth cafe could find itself in financial hot water if it cannot pay off nearly £25,000. Barcode in South Parade has been unexpectedly slapped with the massive bill for its business rates. The town council, which runs the under-18s venue, was hop
WESTON'S youth cafe could find itself in financial hot water if it cannot pay off nearly £25,000.Barcode in South Parade has been unexpectedly slapped with the massive bill for its business rates.The town council, which runs the under-18s venue, was hoping for a concessionary price for the tax, which are collected by North Somerset Council on behalf of central Government.When the town council took on the building it was advised that it would be charged in the region of £4,000 per year and budgeted for that amount but to its shock, in April it received a bill for £24,689.93.Weston Town Council leader, Keith Morris, said: "This could cause us problems if we end up having to pay the bill."It would leave us short of cash but we would struggle through."We would have to find the money elsewhere but I don't know where that is yet." North Somerset Council has said it has to pay rates on youth clubs, whereas in other parts of the country local authorities do not, so Barcode will have to cough up as well.The town council is currently in negotiations with the unitary authority to see if it can come to an agreement.
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