Sanders Calls for Business Tax Simplification

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has called for small business rate relief to be applied automatically, which could save businesses up to £1,200 a year.

Adrian is supporting the Small Business Rate Relief Bill from the Federation of Small Businesses, the UK’s leading business organisation.

Rates are the third biggest expenditure for most small businesses after rents and wages. They must be paid regardless of how profitable businesses have been.

Currently one third of small businesses do not know they can claim rate relief as many local authorities lack the resources to publicise the small business rate relief scheme. Rate relief is already automatic in Wales and from April will be automatic in Northern Ireland.

Adrian said, “During a tough economic climate, this cash injection could save many small businesses from laying off their staff or closing completely. It is absurd that whilst other areas of the UK benefit from automatic rate relief, Torbay businesses do not. It is high time for the government to correct this injustice and make rate relief for small businesses automatic across the UK.”