Politics

ACS has responded to the Government’s launch of a fundamental review of business rates, calling for greater support for small businesses and high streets.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome this overdue review, and we are pleased that it will take a look at radical options for reforming the outdated business rates system. The review must deliver help for high streets, be simpler than the current system, and offer incentives for investment rather than penalising businesses which improve their premises.”

ACS has welcomed new measures to cap the costs retailers face when processing debit and credit cards. The EU intends to limit the ‘interchange fees’ charged by banks to card providers such as Visa and MasterCard to 0.2% on debit cards and 0.3% on credit cards.

The Department for Communities and Local Government yesterday (11^th December) launched their new report, ‘Celebrating the Great British High Street 2014’.

The report showcases some of the best high street projects from across the country and provides ideas that other towns could implement. The report, launched at an exclusive event in the Palace of Westminster, was produced off the back of this year’s Great British High Street awards’ entries and winners.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP, and the Minister responsible for business rates addressed the All Party Small Shops Group today in Westminster to discuss business rates in light of the Chancellor’s announcements in last week’s Autumn Financial Statement.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke MP will address the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops today on the Government’s action on business rates and support for small shops.

Simon Danczuk MP, Chairman of the Small Shops Group, said: “I am pleased the Minister is taking the time to speak to the Small Shops Group about business rates. We saw the Chancellor make a number of announcements in the Autumn Statement, but small shops are keen to understand more about what the Government’s commitment to long term reform will mean to them.”