NDM6526 - United Kingdom Independence Party debate
NDM6526 - United Kingdom Independence Party debate
NDM6526 Caroline
Jones (South Wales West)
To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:
1. Believes that:
a) small businesses constitute the economic and social
heart of the Welsh high street but that the current business rates regime
significantly disadvantages retailers in small towns and cities;
b) business rates are inherently inequitable because
they bear little, if any, relation to business profitability and they have a
chilling effect on town centres by adding significant costs to the
establishment of new businesses;
c) reducing the impact of business rates would help
businesses survive the challenges posed by internet shopping and give a
significant boost to the high street.
2. Resolves that:
a) as an interim measure, pending the replacement of
business rates by a tax related to ability to pay, business premises with a
rateable value below £15,000 should be exempt and the rates of business
properties within the band of £15,000 - £50,000 are reduced by 20%;
b) Welsh local authorities should encourage local
trade by offering at least 60 minutes free parking in their town centre car
parks;
c) out-of-town shopping developments should bear a
greater but reasonable share of the burden of business rates, and such rates
should apply to their car parks, to help revive town centres.
Business type: Debate
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: Complete
First published: 05/10/2017
Decision due: 11 Oct 2017 by Plenary - Fifth Senedd