BUSINESS RATE RELIEF

Early day motion 1164, tabled 24 March 2009 by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 46 members.

That this House notes with concern that businesses across the country are being notified of steep increases to their business rates; understands that this is because the 2005 to 2009 business rate scheme is the first under which no transitional relief will be available during the last year of its cycle; recognises that many businesses will find any rate increases incredibly hard to afford; and calls on the Government to extend transitional business relief for two years to help small and medium-sized enterprises weather the economic recession.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 26, Labour 12, Conservative 5, Independent 2, DUP 1.