Small firms have urged the Government to make councils speed up giving out grants to help cope with big increases in business rates.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called on communities secretary Sajid Javid to tell local authorities to end the 'shambolic delay' in passing on £300m of discretionary relief promised in the March budget.
The FSB wrote to Mr Javid urging him to 'get a grip on the situation and make sure local authorities start allocating the relief.'
It says more than half a million firms will see a rise in their business rates this year and more than one in five of those expect rises of more than 40%.
FSB policy director Martin McTague said: 'Local authorities have known their allocation since April, yet it’s likely most will not have schemes in place until August or September at the earliest.
'This shambolic delay means some small businesses are being left with no choice but to delay investment, avoid taking on staff or even close their doors while they are waiting for this assistance.'
