Business Rates - A fair game?

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from a Chartered Surveyor, who rang I think to try to get me interested in property to let. During our conversation he had access to what Business Rates we were paying Stockport MBC for our current office. He advised me that we should qualify for 'Small Business Rate Relief', and whom I should contact at the Council.
This is a piece of advice I shall remember. Not because it ended up saving us nearly £1000 off our next annual bill, and getting us a refund of a similar amount, but because this chap had passed on his professional knowledge free of charge. He may never gain from this personally, but it was heart warming to be on the receiving end of such good advice. Too often people like me are plagued with emails and calls suggesting that the latest IT gizmo, telecoms package, recruitment or business coaching service are just what we need. Prioritising is one of the biggest tasks facing small business owners today.
When I approached the council to get the form to apply for Small Business Rate Relief, I was told that I could only apply for the tax year we are currently in, and not the previous year (our first in our current office). Yet, when we originally had our rates assessed by the same council, the lady who measured up our premises and car parking spaces advised us that we wouldn't qualify for the relief.
My advice is this: Ignore any word of mouth comment and apply in writing for Relief. In 2010 there is apparently a need to re-apply for the discount (certainly in Stockport), so be ready to fill in new paperwork this time next year.
Finally - In private sector business, if we were due a refund for something going back 12 months, I would still expect to get it. In public sector, once a financial year has ended, you've no chance. Is this fair?!
Roger Souter