With less than a week to go to the UK goes to the polls for the next general election, Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira (the British Independent Retailers Association) welcomes the consensus that business rates need to change. “One area where there seems to be some agreement between the political parties, however, is that the business rates system isn’t working and is detrimental to our high streets,” he states.
Andrew emphasises: “We look forward to working with the new Government, whoever it is, to ensure that any new system is effective and is implemented quickly for the benefit of business.”
He reflects: “We were very pleased to see the Conservatives coming out first to say there would be a significant reduction in rates and a fundamental review of rates if they remained in power.
“Secondly the Liberal Democrats announced they would scrap business rates entirely to “breathe new life into our high streets” and replace them with a commercial landowner levy, based on the value of the land only.
“And, just now Labour have said they will review the option of a land value tax on commercial landlords as an alternative to business rates and develop a retail sector industrial strategy.”
Bira has been campaigning for the past three years to ensure that politicians understand the need for reform.
Top: Andrew Goodacre, Bira ceo.
