Business rates are set to rise by 3.1% across the whole country next April after years of painful increases that have hit Midlands business hard. The tax set in Westminster takes no account of regional variations in property values or economic performance.
DBS Law’s corporate clients have identified rates as an acute problem for businesses outside the south east. They would have seen a reduction in their costs if a revaluation had been undertaken as property prices in our region have fallen dramatically in real terms since 2008.
Government imposed delay to the reassessment of rateable values due in 2015 is going to hit local traders hard for some time to come.
So to mark the opening it’s DBS Hearne office in Bearwood High Street, DBS Law are launching an e-petition on behalf of local businesses calling on the Government to freeze Business Rates until the revaluation takes place. 100,000 signatures would guarantee a debate in Parliament on the issue. http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/56944
DBS Law CEO Rob Bhol said, “Our investment here in Bearwood is part of our strategy to bring high quality legal services to doorsteps of local people; we want revitalise the high streets in the city and with them local communities. This is no easy task, there is a lot weighing against high street businesses at the moment.
“Without a change in the rules for setting business rates or a dramatic improvement in the economy many traders providing local service could be a risk. That’s why we are petitioning the Government for a rate freeze.”
The DBS Hearne office will be officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony 4.30pm 26th November, 120 – 121 Poplar Rd, Bearwood, B66 4AP.
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