{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 699


Devastating Budget Delivers Triple Blow to Independent Retailers, Says ACT and Bira

30 Oct 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and the ACT have condemned today's Budget as the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory, with... Read more…

Retailers paying one-third of all UK business rates despite making up only 9% of economy

30 Oct 2024

Retailers and hospitality businesses are paying three times their economic share in business rates, according to analysis by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and UK Hospitality.
Read more…

How much cash do you still accept? Independent cycling retailers can respond to this survey today

30 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira is working with UK Finance and other organisations who form the UK’s wholesale cash industry to gain vital information to ensure businesses get the best possible... Read more…

Bira Conference a huge success with ACT members in attendance

25 Oct 2024

ACT members were in attendance at the hugely successful Bira Conference in London last week, featuring an inspiring line-up of speakers providing valuable insights from independent retail... Read more…

Bira cautiously welcomes retail sales growth but calls for continued support

11 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024
Read more…

FSB launches blueprint to revitalise UK high streets and boost tourism

3 Oct 2024

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also... Read more…

Award-winning gin distillery to open new shop in Morecambe

3 Oct 2024

A family-run gin company is set to open a new distillery and shop in Morecambe.
Read more…

‘Largest independent bookshop in the country’ to open in York

3 Oct 2024

Independent booksellers Topping & Company will open a new bookshop over multiple floors in central York in autumn 2025.
Read more…

Three quarters of British shoppers would ban paper receipts on eco grounds, new data shows

3 Oct 2024

3 in 4 Britons (77%) would ban paper receipts if they knew how many trees were cut down to generate them – and millennials are the most eco-conscious (rising to 87%).
Read more…

Bira Urges Chancellor to Safeguard Independent Retail in Upcoming Autumn Statement

24 Sep 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is set to address critical issues facing the UK's high streets at its upcoming Annual Conference, marking the event's return after a six-year... Read more…

Back to news menu

Business Rates consultation launched

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Political News

HHouses of Parliament, budget 2020M Treasury has launched a consultation on delivering more frequent business rate revaluations in England. The consultation proposes a framework for moving towards three-yearly revaluations from five-yearly and simplifying the appeals system.

The consultation proposes two new requirements on retailers:

  • A Duty to Notify the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) about property changes that affect business rates liabilities - for example, structural alterations, extensions or conversions. This would be done as changes are completed and via an Annual Confirmation Return.
  • The mandatory provision of rental and lease information - for example rent amounts and what it includes, agreed incentives, responsibilities and rent reviews. To be provided after events where these might change (e.g. signing a new lease).

The consultation also suggests the following changes to the appeals system:

  • Streamlining appeals by removing the ‘Check' stage from the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process - the function of Check would effectively be replaced by the new Duty to Notify.
  • Introducing a three-month deadline to submit Challenges and a new fee - to ensure most appeals can be dealt with during the lifetime of a three-year list.
  • Reviewing provisions around Material Change of Circumstances (MCCs) appeals - when MCC should apply.

This consultation has been announced while government work on the fundamental review of business rates is ongoing. The outcome of this consultation, and the wider business rates review, is expected in the Autumn.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.