Member News
Business rate relief is money which small businesses are entitled to claim and provision is made within the Government’s financial calculations for such claims to be made so this could provide a significant boost for small businesses without affecting
Peter Luff, January 15 2009
This Bill was presented, through the ballot procedure to parliament on January 21, by Peter Luff (Con, Mid Worcestershire), chairman of the business and enterprise committee.
The Bill will ensure that local authorities include the exemption on rate bills automatically and will enable small businesses to compete and survive on the high street. .
Commenting on the Bill, Luff said:
“The worsening economic situation is having a devastating effect on small businesses. A recent study shows small businesses are collapsing at a rate of nearly 100 a day. My bill provides a simple way of easing the pain for many of them.
“Only around half of small businesses know about rate relief and apply for it, despite the fact the Government has budgeted to cover all small businesses. So most/half of the £400/£800 million earmarked to help small businesses goes unclaimed.
“Making these payments automatic would ensure the money gets directly to those who need it. It will be a boost to small businesses and even cut administrative costs for the local authorities that promote the availability of the rate relief. Rates are the third largest item of expenditure for small businesses after wages and rents, so this relief would make a huge difference."
Progress
House of Commons
First reading: January 21 2009 [HC Bill 13]
Second reading: March 6 2009
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