News & Topics

Calls to reform business rates

67,000 small firms in England face above-inflation rises in their bills next year.  As the end of transitional relief for small buisnesses in April 2015 has conincided with a postponement in revalation of the property values used to calculate the tax.  

Over 100 companies including Tesco, Marks & Spencer and General Motors have signed an open letter calling for business rates to be overhauled describing them as "no longer fit for the 21st century".    It claims that " Britain's business rates are higher than property taxes anywhere else in Europe".  This is a critical problem for all of British business.  It adds that a reformed system would generate improved investment and employment opportunities in local communities.