Business rate changes will inevitably be a headache for some businesses

Commenting on the government’s consultation on the transitional relief scheme for the business rate revaluation in 2010, Kevin Hoctor, Head of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Business rates are a major cost for companies struggling with cash flow. This was illustrated by the business reaction to the planned 5pc increase in April, which Ministers finally backtracked on by allowing the payments to be spread out.

“For this reason, revaluation and transition arrangements will inevitably be a headache for some hard-pressed businesses. The government must ensure that this process is implemented in a competent fashion, with adequate communication and no unfair additional costs placed on businesses.

“The situation that has arisen with backdated business rate payments at UK ports has damaged business confidence on these issues. “