Anne Main has welcomed the Government’s announcement to conduct a ‘wide-ranging’ review of business rates. The terms of reference have been set out in a Government discussion paper, which invites comment from businesses and local communities. The review will report its findings in the Budget 2016.
Anne said, ‘I welcome the move by the Treasury to undertake a comprehensive review of the current system.
‘Although the Government has taken steps to help small businesses and retailers on the high street, high-value areas like St Albans too often miss out because of the ratable value of the properties in the city centre.
‘Back in February I wrote to the Chancellor, outlining my concerns about the high rates business owners in St Albans have to pay, and the need to protect the cultural and economic value of our independent shops and cafes.
‘In St Albans, we have a bustling and much-loved local market which is complemented by high street shops.
‘There is agreement from all sectors across the business industry that we must overhaul the current system and make it fit for the 21st century. I hope this review will achieve that.
‘I urge all our local businesses to participate in the review on the Government website before the consultation closes on the 12th June.’
Watch: Anne Main, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh, talks about the Rohingya crisis and urges support for @DECappeal pic.twitter.com/FFL0lq8O0A
— DFID (@DFID_UK) October 12, 2017