Business Rates Don’t Do the Business!

Release/Rhyddhau: Wednesday, 23 March 2005

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Montgomeryshire, has today called for an urgent rethink on business rates in Powys.

Mr Bates said:  “More and more business are telling me that they are struggling to pay their rates.  Though the level of business rates has actually fallen in Powys, Labour Assembly Government revaluation means that more money is being paid. 

“Small businesses, like individuals, are being squeezed by this government.  They are expected to find huge sums of money year on year, without making drastic cuts.

“Small business is playing an increasingly important role in Powys.  In recent months we have seen job losses in big business.  If the county is going to prosper then we have to ensure the best deal for small business and encourage more enterprise.  The current level of business rates won’t allow this to happen.

“It’s time the Labour Assembly Government and Powys County Council stared to think about the future of economic development in Mid Wales.  It is time they ensured a fair deal for small business.”