ACS

ACS has hit out at the Government’s decision to increase business rates in April 2009 by 5%. The Government wrote to Billing Authorities earlier this month informing them of the rise. The rise was calculated on September’s Retail Price Index (RPI) rate, the height of the market, which has since fallen to 3%.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “This decision comes at the worst possible time for the retail industry. We are facing uncertain times and yet businesses are going to be hit with the biggest rate increase since 1990.”

ACS wrote to the Chancellor prior to the Pre-Budget Report calling for business rates to be frozen at their current level.

Mr Lowman continued: “Freezing business rates is potentially one of the most beneficial things that the Government can do for businesses right now. ACS will continue to push for business rates to be frozen and hope that the Government listens to the calls from the business community rather than imposing this massive burden at a time when it purports to be trying to help businesses through these difficult times.”