Chris Mahony 21 February 2019

MPs pile pressure on Government over business rates reform

MPs have urged ministers to assess specific proposals for reforming business rates by the autumn.

In a report published today, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee said correcting the imbalance in business rates paid by online and high street retailers was crucial to ‘securing the future of the high street and the retailers which will always be an important part of it’.

The committee urged the Government to assess proposals including a ratings methodology for the warehouses of online retailers and replacing business rates for retailers with a sales tax or rise in VAT.

Chair of the Local Government Association’s resources board, Cllr Richard Watts, said: ‘As the way we shop is changing, we agree with the committee that the business rates system needs to be modernised to ensure that sectors such as online businesses make a fair contribution.’

More widely, the MPs put local government at the centre of reviving high streets and town centres.

However, given the financial pressures they face and cuts to planning and other relevant departments, the report said councils would need significant financial backing from central government.

High streets minister Jake Berry said: 'We know high streets are the backbone of our economy and a crucial part of our local communities, and we want to see them thrive – both now and in the future.

'That’s why the Government has stepped up, putting a plan for the high street at the centre of the Budget backed by £675m cash investment to ensure that local high streets are able to adapt and thrive for generations to come and establishing a High Streets Task Force to support local leadership.

'As the chancellor made clear in the Budget, an online sales tax would be passed onto consumers.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Early Help Family Practitioner - 12 month FTC

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£39150.00 - £42861.00 per annum
Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward.Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward. As England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Swansea Council
£73,908 - £85,884
As Head of HR and OD Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Early Help Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6, £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
Durham County Council are on a continuous improvement journey in relation to its Early Help service. We are one of 75 Local Authorities who are part o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Legal Clerical Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 to £28,598 p.a. (Grade 5)
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full time, permanent Legal Clerical Assistant to provide legal clerical support to solicitors and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Practice Coordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356
Do you love supporting practitioners to bring their best selves to their work? We are looking for a Practice Coordinator to support our Social Worker Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner