Local Authorities’ new power over business rate supplements is deeply worrying
02/07/09 | 15:07
In advance of the Business Rate Supplement Bill receiving Royal Assent today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“It is deeply worrying that during a recession, the government has decided to introduce a new power for Local Authorities to raise taxes on cash-starved businesses.
“Companies are already paying business rates, corporation tax, VAT and National Insurance. On top of this, they could also be looking at a combination of Business Rate Supplements (BRS), congestion charging and a workplace parking levy.
“The BCC believes that any BRS proposals should only be for necessary infrastructure projects with a business vote on whether to go ahead with the plans.
“By allowing this legislation to pass into law, companies will face a situation where decisions on BRS could be taken unilaterally by Local Authorities. We urge Councils to listen to local firms and reflecting the current economic climate, decide not to make use of this new power.”
Ends
Media Contact:
Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.