BRC responds to Miliband’s proposals on business rates
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The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today responded to proposals on business rates from the Labour party leader, Ed Miliband.
Miliband has announced a 1% cut in business rates if labour is in power after the 2015 election. The move would involve reversing the inflation-linked increase scheduled for April 2015 and scrapping the planned increase in 2016.
Responding to the announcement Helen Dickinson, BRC director general, said: “We are heartened that Labour has listened to retailers’ concerns on business rates. As well as leading the debate on fundamental change, the BRC has been strongly encouraging the continuation of an immediate package for retailers to support the high street and it is very welcome to hear it announced.
“UK business rates are the highest property taxes of any EU country and lead directly to vacant shops and job losses. It is widely agreed that the system is no longer fit for purpose and requires total reform.
“We look forward to discussing the road to broader reforms with labour as we draw closer to the election.”
The developments come after more than 100 companies last week signed an open letter, backed by the BRC, demanding reform of the business rates legislation.
