New region-city mayors must consult small businesses and give them a voice in tax raising decisions, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
John Allan, the national chairman of the FSB, welcomed the government’s devolution drive but called on the chancellor to ensure that small businesses are ‘properly consulted’ and have ‘a strong voice in any tax raising decisions.’
Devolution offers more power to regional cities and, in return, directly elected mayors with the power to raise business rates will run them.
Responding to chancellor George Osborne’s announcement of two new devolution deals in the Northeast and the Tees Valley, Mr Allan said: ‘We believe it is crucial for a robust, transparent system to ensure that small businesses are properly consulted and have a strong voice in any tax raising decisions.
'This will help assure our members that any consultations and changes will take into account their views, and reflect the wishes of the whole business community.’
