Small business issues are high on the "political agenda" says leading Treasury minister
Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
Small business issues are being listened to by the government claims top ministerLast week's Autumn Statement included measures to help business rates for small businesses
Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
Gauke told a meeting of the All Party Small Shops Group in Westminster yesterday that last week's Autumn Financial Statement, which contained a series of measures, including steps to cut business rates, was evidence of how seriously the government is taking the concerns of small businesses.
The comments will be welcomed in the drinks industry particularly amongst independent wine merchants, the on-trade and small importers, distributors and wholesalers.
He said: "Business rates have moved up the political agenda and we have responded with a significant package of announcements in the Autumn Statement. We are in the market for ideas on the future of business rates and I welcome the contribution of small shops to the review."
Last week's Autumn Financial Statement pledged a full review into the future structure of business rates to be completed by 2016. It also said a new Retail Business Rate Discount, giving retail businesses up to £1,500 discount would be introduced, there will be an extension of the annual cap of 2% on the business rates multiplier and more measures to help double the amount of Small Business Rate Relief granted.
In return, James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said: "The measures announced in Autumn Statement will help our members by reducing their rates bills in 2015. In the longer term, we need to find a fairer and more transparent system for calculating business rates. I am very pleased the minister attended the Small Shops group meeting today and it is clear he is open to ideas from small shops."
This week's meeting was attended by MPs from all sides of the House of Commons as well as relevant small shops representatives including the British Independent Retail Association, and the Rural Shops Alliance.
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