Independent retailer Sally Gibbons hosted a visit with Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill today, discussing the important role that rural shops play in communities whilst raising concerns about the fairness of the business rate relief system.
During the visit at Lealholm village shop, Sally raised concerns about the level of business rate relief her store received. Currently the store receives rural rate relief which is equivalent to 50% of the total business rates bill. However, if the store were to receive Small Business Rate Relief instead of Rural Rate Relief, they would receive 100% relief on their rates bill.
ACS is calling on the Government to address this issue in the Budget, ensuring that retailers receive the maximum level of rate relief that they are entitled to.
Rural shops play an essential role in communities that in many cases, would otherwise be entirely isolated. More than half of rural shops operate entirely on their own without any other retail or service businesses nearby.
The full Rural Shop Report is available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/rural-shop-report/
If you would like to arrange a store visit with your local MP to discuss the issues affecting your business, contact ACS Public Affairs Executive Steve Dowling at [email protected]
