Rates relief needed

11.04.16am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Apr 2009

Sal Brinton has called on the Labour Government to give hard pressed local businesses relief on their business rates. Watford Businesses are facing a shocking 5.2% rise this year that will mean they have to pay the full rate on their businesses at a time when the recession is causing many businesses real problems.

She said "The Liberal Democrats have long been urging the Government to provide business rate relief for small businesses long (well before the current recession). We understand how vital small businesses are to our local community, and believe that this needs to be recognised. Now that we are in the depths of a difficult recession, rate relief is even more urgent.

"We also want to reduce the Corporation Tax rules for small businesses, which will mean they will be able to make further savings. The Labour Government are talking only about postponing their proposed increase in Corporation Tax. In my conversations with Watford business people, they tell me that this delay won't help them, and many are already worrying about how they will pay the bill in future. So, Gordon Brown, help local businesses and make a permanent reduction in Corporation Tax now for our hard pressed local businesses!"