10 signatures reached
To: The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP
Repeal the 2017 rise in small business rates for High Street independants
I would like them to review and repeal the latest rise in small business rates. This would help small businesses to stay afloat and take on more staff (which would create even more revenue for the exchequer eventually)
Why is this important?
It's a statistical fact that the MAJOR employers in the UK are small businesses. The High Street creates not only job opportunities for shop workers, but for support services such as delivery drivers, window cleaners, waste companies etc. On a human level, they also help to keep towns alive and to maintain a sense of community.
The latest hike in business rates that have seen some shopkeepers rates rise by 200% is probably the last straw for many. So add this to the income tax, VAT, rising rents, fuel and staff costs, staff N.I contributions and Local Authorities making it increasingly difficult for shoppers to park etc. and you may start to get the picture. the hike in business rates may well be the last straw for many small independents. So what will become of our High streets? If the government does not help the independents, the people that make your shopping trip more interesting and diverse, then we will end up with rows of chains who are run by faceless profiteers who have no understanding nor interest in local communities. Remember, with every High Street shop that closes goes jobs, personal service and the very soul of a local community. Please sign this petition and get something done for the little guys.
