West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her support to local councils which are facing a multi-million pound shortfall after being forced to make a rates rebate to GP surgeries. A tribunal decision in June meant that doctor’s surgeries were owed a rebate on their rates paid between 2005 and 2010 – leaving councils to have to make huge repayments. Malvern Hills District Council has had to return £1.72 million and faces similar payments over coming years. Last month, the council briefed Harriett on the issue and enlisted her support as it lobbies the Government for support to meet the sudden budget shortfall. Harriett commented: “Malvern Hills District Council briefed me on the problem regarding the GP surgeries rates rebate last month, and I have written on the council’s behalf to the Communities Secretary. “The change could have a major impact on the council’s budget and I have offered the council my full support on this matter. “There is a process allowing the council to secure emergency payments from the Government and I hope that this will be available to Malvern Hills.”