Mark Whitehead 27 October 2014

Pickles blocks new taxes on supermarkets

Local government secretary Eric Pickles has warned he will block council plans to impose new taxes on large supermarkets, accusing them of waging 'class war against business'.

Instead, he says local authorities should use their existing powers to support local high streets by 'calling off municipal parking bullies and backing local street markets'.

Several local authorities have been considering imposing extra business rates on supermarkets and large shops under the Sustainable Communities Act.

Mr Pickles said: 'This government supports free enterprise and lower taxes. We don’t agree with the lazy thinking from the town halls whose answer to everything is to find a new way of hiking up taxes.

'Instead, the government has cut taxes on small shops – which is a better way of giving a hand up to local shops than just beating up their rivals and forcing up the cost of shopping.

'Rather than waging class war on business, councils would be better using their existing powers to support local high streets, such as calling off municipal parking bullies and backing local street markets.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MID

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MIDFixed Term, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a part time opportunity for 22.5 hours per week. These hours will cover 3 days including a Thursday and Friday, plus one other day that can England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Markets Team Manager (Strategic Commissioning Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

School Effectiveness Partner

Essex County Council
£62725.0000 - £73793.0000 per annum
School Effectiveness PartnerPermanent, Full Time£62,725 to £73,793 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner