Context
Small businesses in Chichester face challenges due to the current business rates system, which disincentivizes investment and creates uncertainty. Labour's manifesto highlighted similar issues.
Question
What steps he is taking to support businesses with their operating costs? The irony for many small businesses in Chichester is that they are busy, well established and popular. It is not bad business but bad policy that is making them struggle. “The current business rates system disincentivises investment, creates uncertainty and places an undue burden on our high streets.” When should my local businesses expect the changes to business rates that they need, and will the Government please explore a commercial landowner levy in their upcoming review?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)
The Government are committed to tackling inadequacies in how rates are calculated, as highlighted by my hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury recently. We are protecting high street businesses from upward-only rental review clauses, introducing a community right to buy for valued community assets on the high street, providing rental options for empty properties, and taking action against bogus businesses.
Not addressed: Changes to business rates and commercial landowner levy exploration were not directly addressed with specific timelines or commitments.
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