A TORY has called for a new approach to setting local taxes and rents for high street businesses.
Ellesmere Port & Neston Parliamentary Candidate Stuart Penketh said a review of these charges could lead one day to a “regenerated town centre” for the Port.
He said: “One of the common complaints small and middle-sized traders have talked to me about is the expense of starting up as a business.
“Since 1997 corporate tax rates have soared from being the fourth lowest in the EU to the 19th, while added regulation has led to an increase in £66 billion on British business.
“The retail sector contributes over £4.5 billion to government coffers – over 25% of all government revenue.”
He highlighted a recent commission into small shops, chaired by MP Brian Binley, which concluded that Supplementary Business Rates are “unfair”. A Conservative Government has vowed to review these.
Mr Penketh said: “If there was a review we may find ourselves in Ellesmere Port with a regenerated town centre without the need for expensive town hall intervention.”
