Committee raises concerns over impact of business rates on UK firms

11 Jul 2018

The Treasury Committee has expressed concerns in regard to the impact of the UK’s current business rates system on firms.

In a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond, Nicky Morgan, the Chair of the Committee, stated that business rates place a ‘financial burden’ on UK businesses, and questioned whether the system is ‘fit for purpose’.

‘It’s clear that many bricks and mortar stores are struggling to remain competitive against online retailers, with the Chancellor admitting that business rates can represent a high fixed cost for some businesses,’ said Mrs Morgan.

‘We are likely to scrutinise business rates further as part of our Autumn Budget inquiry later this year.’

In response to the Treasury Committee’s letter, the Chancellor ruled out reforming the business rates system, but did admit that the tax has ‘hit the high street too hard’.

Mr Hammond also stated that the government ‘needs to find a better way of taxing the digital economy’, and that it has been ‘making progress’ in regard to this.