Great to stick up for local businesses on BBC Politics North this weekend. It got a little heated, but still friendly, with the Labour MP unable to accept the economic damage they’re causing.
Rachel Reeves claiming she has cut business rates to a 35 year low is misleading and gaslighting business owners, when they slashed reliefs so most smaller retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will actually see an increase of 5-15% next year, and the overall business rate tax take will actually rise to the highest ever level.
According to the Financial Times, average rateable values have risen by 76% on hotels, 30% on pubs, and 14% for restaurants. Labour just don’t get business.
Instead, the Conservatives would provide 100% business rates relief below £110,000 for high street shops and pubs – that’s a quarter of a million businesses benefitting.
