GOVERNMENT POLICY ON BUSINESS RATES

Early day motion 2373, tabled 29 October 2008 by Lord Pickles (Conservative). Signed by 44 members.

That this House expresses concern at the damaging effect of the Prime Minister's £1 billion a year stealth tax hike on empty properties; notes that this will particularly harm local firms in an economic downturn; criticises the Government's plans to impose supplementary business rates on local business with no ability for firms to endorse or reject the rate; questions why transitional rate relief will not apply to supplementary rates; observes the burden on small firms of having to claim small business rate relief, while medium and large firms are automatically hit with a higher multiplier; is concerned by the actions of the Valuation Office Agency for its retrospective tax increases on ports; and believes that the Government's business rates policies are harming the economic viability of British business.

Signatures by party: Conservative 40, Liberal Democrat 3, Independent 1.