Shadow Small Business Minister Toby Perkins has called for more to be done to reform the rates system as part of a discussion on the future of the high street at Labour Party Conference.
During the fringe event hosted by ACS and the British Independent Retailers Association, Mr Perkins recognised the need to bring down business rates bills on high streets across the country and also called for a review of property tax to help businesses.
Speaking at the event, ACS Public Affairs Director Shane Brennan said: “Labour can save the high street if they focus on three key areas – reducing the rates bill for high street businesses, committing to town centre first planning policy and changing the parking system to encourage people back into town centres.”
Speakers at the event also included Michelle Ovens, the campaign director of the successful Small Business Saturday initiative that launched last year, Michael Weedon, Deputy Chief Executive of BIRA, and Mari Williams, Labour candidate for Cardiff North.
