Business rates
Swinney urged to rule out ‘North East tax’ in SNP manifesto
The Scottish Tories claim documents show the SNP considered increasing business rates and a windfall tax in 2022-23.
UK’s largest pubs and breweries demand immediate cut in beer duty
British beer drinkers cheering on England and Scotland pay 54p duty per pint compared with German or Spanish fans paying less than 5p, a letter says.
Business groups seek more tax reassurances as Labour targets economic growth
The manifesto confirmed Labour would cap corporation tax at 25% until the next Parliament.
Labour reveals plans to ‘breathe new life’ into high streets with reformed rates
Plans include reforming business rates and tougher laws on shoplifting.
Lib Dems commit to scrapping business rates to boost high streets
The party said business rates would be replaced with ‘a new, fairer levy’ that would be paid by the owner of the premises, rather than the tenant.
Pubs ‘raise glass’ to Chancellor’s small firms boost
Retailers and hospitality groups warn big firms in the sectors will be hit by rising rates.
UK music venues ‘must and will close’ if tax relief expires, charity says
The Music Venue Trust published an open letter to Jeremy Hunt urging him to extend the existing business rates relief.
John Lewis boss calls for public inquiry into decline of UK high streets
Dame Sharon White, chairwoman of the John Lewis Partnership, said some UK towns and cities have become ‘shells of their former selves’.
Retailers warn Chancellor against £400m business rates hike
A group of 44 retail leaders have written to Jeremy Hunt to halt an inflation-based increase to property tax bills.