COUNCILLORS have continued to raise concerns about the viability of small retail businesses in Corringham where they say business rates are threatening livelihoods.

Shops and cafes in the town centre, primarily on St Johns Way and the Grover Walk precinct say the town is suffering from a lack of footfall and a consistent decrease in the number of people visiting the area because of parking and travel issues.

However, while business is down, rates have continued to go up, they say.

The matter was addressed at a recent meeting of the Corringham, Fobbing and Homesteads Community Forum, where ward councillors spoke about the conflict between rising costs and falling footfall.

Stanford East and Corringham Town Cllr Roy Jones said it was a matter that had been on the forum's mind for some time and its members and councillors had been supporting efforts to find ways to cut rates or make the area more attractive for potential visitors. 

He told Nub News: "It's been a longstanding issue, the small businesses and traders in the town are getting a tough deal, with not a lot of help from the council.

"We have raised the matter but we are repeatedly told there is little the council can do as rates are a government directive."

Homesteads Cllr Gary Byrne has been on the front foot on the issue for some time and has been vocal. He told the forum meeting he believed that some traders had received 'concessions' while others had been treated differenbtly and he believed there are loopholes that could be found to help all shops and businesses if the council were so-minded.

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However, in response to a request for comment by Nub News, Thurrock Council is adamant there are no 'loopholes' business could slip through but did concede there are things local authorities might be able to do - but because of the borough council's current deep financial plight it was not feasible in Thurrock.

With falling footfall and rising rates - businesses in Coirringham are feeling the pinch

The council statement says: "There is no loophole that would enable the council to reduce business rates for businesses in Corringham or any other part of the borough.

"Business rates are a national tax set by Central Government, and while local authorities issue bills and collects payments, the amount a business is required to pay is determined through government legislation and national policy.

"While local authorities do technically have the ability to provide a local discretionary discount, as the cost of any local discount would need to be partly borne by the Council, it would not be financially viable to introduce these for widescale use in response to changes in national policy.

"There are a number of Government changes to business rates that will take effect from 1 April 2026 – and these include protections for Businesses facing steep increases. You can learn more about the changes (and routes businesses can take to check and challenge Rateable Values if they believe they are wrong) here."

Cllr Byrne responded by saying: "Local independent businesses are being hit with rate increases of £620.75 per month. That's not a minor adjustment that's the difference between survival and closure for many.

"As I've said repeatedly, brushing traders off with 'it's the Government' is not good enough. 

"Our officers should be actively helping businesses challenge assessments where appropriate, signposting relief schemes, and fighting to keep independent traders in business, not offering excuses. And it doesn't stop there.

St Johns Way in Corringham where some traders say they are struggling to survive in facing of rising costs.

"We're looking at increases of 15% next year and potentially 25% the year after, for small shop owners already operating on tight margins, that trajectory is unsustainable.

"Independent traders are the backbone of our high streets, they create local jobs, they keep money in the local economy, they give our towns character.

"They need practical help, proactive engagement, not explanations about why nothing can be done.

"The question is simple: 'Are we going to fight for our independent businesses , or watch them disappear?'."

The next forum meeting is on Monday, 9 March 2026 at 7pm at New Hall, The Sorrells and online via Zoom. It seems likely the matter will be raised again.