Business rate rise slammed by convenience stores |
| Tuesday, 23 December 2008 | |
 The government's decision to increase business rates by 5% next April has been criticised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).Before last month's pre-Budget report was released, the ACS wrote to chancellor Alistair Darling asking him to freeze rates during the current economic climate. James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said: "This decision comes at the worst possible time for the retail industry. We are facing uncertain times and yet businesses are going to be hit with the biggest rate increase since 1990." "Freezing business rates is potentially one of the most beneficial things that the government can do for businesses right now. "ACS will continue to push for business rates to be frozen and hope that the government listens to the calls from the business community rather than imposing this massive burden at a time when it purports to be trying to help businesses through these difficult times." Last week, the British Retail Consortium said it has produced a letter template so retailers can approach their landlords about changing their rent payment conditions to monthly. The same organisation also argued that local authorities may be able to take advantage of the Business Rate Supplementary Bill and introduce extra charges for retailers. Related Articles
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