Assembly still “No Plans” to help businesses with rising rates
November 11, 2009 No Comments
Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons has revealed there are still no “definitive proposals” to deal with the impact of rates revaluation
The Assembly Government has admitted it still does not have plans in place to help businesses with rising business rates.
Following exchanges with the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly today, Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons has revealed there are still no “definitive proposals” to deal with the impact of rates revaluation, which is due to come into effect from April.
Opposition leader Nick Bourne described the admission as “hopeless” and demanded leadership from ministers.
Last week Welsh Conservatives revealed that the UK Government issued plans to raise the business rate relief threshold on 30 September. So far the Assembly Government has failed to bring forward similar proposals in Wales.
Welsh Conservatives have repeatedly called on ministers to raise the threshold, delay revaluation until at least April 2011, and introduce a scheme to scrap or reduce rates for up to 90,000 businesses.
According to the Assembly Government’s own figures, as many as 40,000 Welsh businesses could see their rates rise next spring as a result of revaluation.
Commenting on the latest ministerial statement, Nick Bourne AM said: “The Assembly Government’s response to the plight of businesses across Wales as a result of rising rates is nothing short of hopeless.
“The UK Government took steps to offset the impact of revaluation in England weeks ago yet by their own admission ministers in Cardiff still have no plans on the table for Wales.
“The Assembly Government should be taking action now to help firms across Wales during the recession.
“Revaluation should not have come as a surprise given that it happens every five years.
“How much longer have Welsh businesses got to wait for this government to help them?
“They need to know now what support is on offer so they can plan budgets for the next financial year.
“The longer ministers delay, the greater the prospect of businesses laying off staff or closing down altogether.”
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