Rates reform urged

MPs urge reforms of business rates The Housing, Communities and Local Government committee believes “wide reforms” to business rates could help town centres and high streets flourish. The MPs say business rates are “stacking the odds” against high street shops, and have called on the Government to provide “meaningful” relief from the tax to retailers and consider an online sales tax to “level the playing field” – as well as a new green levy on delivery and packaging. The committee has recommended a further review of the “unfair” business rates system and other aspects of corporate taxation. Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Despite being key to the success of a town centre, confidence is rock bottom and some are finding it too difficult to stay afloat. The tax system favours big online companies over independent businesses on the high street."