Press Release

Prime Minister urged to adopt key small business measures

10 September 2008

The Federation of Small Businesses, (FSB), today (10th September) delivered a letter to N0. 10 Downing Street calling on the Prime Minister to introduce two measures as part of its economic revival package.

The letter refers to the fact that many businesses are unaware of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme (SBRRS) which aims to alleviate the rate bill for thousands of businesses occupying commercial premises. The FSB points out that businesses are being denied the relief because it is not automatically applied by local authorities.

A recent FSB survey in Essex showed that £48.4million of rate relief went unclaimed in that county alone.

The FSB is therefore asking the Prime Minister to ensure rate relief is automatically applied to all rate bills handed out by town halls.

The FSB is also urging the Prime Minister to use his existing powers in the Rating Act 2007 to reintroduce an element of rate relief of up to 50 per cent for entrepreneurs with empty commercial premises.

John Wright, FSB National Chairman, said:

“We have written to the Prime Minister about two measures that we firmly believe would help small businesses to meet today’s critical economic climate.

“Business rate relief is money which small businesses are entitled to claim and presumably provision is made within the Government’s financial calculations for such claims to be made so this could provide a significant boost for small businesses without affecting the Government’s budget calculations.

"Additionally, with the dramatic downturn in the commercial property market owners are finding having to pay rates on empty properties a hardship. A modest relief of up to 50% on the rate bill for empty properties would be very helpful.

“These two changes will give a much needed boost to the economy and help businesses get back on track.”