Call for business rates reforms to bolster high street traders
The Federation of Small Businesses has set out five recommendations to the government including a £1,000 business rates discount for shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, to ‘provide a shot in the arm for high streets’.
Other points include replacing a rate relief rule that ‘penalises’ small business expanding into additional premises.
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Hide AdCurrent rules mean a start-up using separate rooms either side of a corridor can miss out on small business rate relief. The FSB has said this should be replaced with a personal theshold per business owner of £15,000.
FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: “With transitional rate relief now winding down, it’s vital that businesses are given the right support, in the form of a rates freeze from April 2019 and a discount for local shops, pubs and eateries.
“Investing in the road network, fixing potholes quickly and providing more town centre free parking would make a real difference to small firms.
“We’re not suggesting there’s a quick fix for the high street, but it’s clear something needs to be done.”