Government launches business rates inquiry

18th February 2020

The Treasury Committee will examine how business rates policy has changed, alternatives to property-based taxes, such as the proposed digital services tax, and how changes to business rates could impact businesses.

The review has been welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores. Chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome this review into the outdated and unfair business rates system. The Treasury Select Committee should start by examining how business rates penalise retailers who invest and add new services to their offer. This tax on investment damages our sector and the UK economy.

“Petrol forecourt stores and free-to-use cash machines are particularly badly treated by the current system because they are rated according to a different system which taxes their usage and sales. The impact of business rates on the provision of these vital services should be a priority for the committee and for the government.”

 

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