10 May 2019
“People want a vibrant high street at the heart of their community. Yet the combination of Brexit uncertainty and competition from online retailers mean small independent businesses, in particular, are finding it harder to stay afloat” says Marcus Andrews of local Surveyors Goadsby. He is also the local Chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) South Wessex Branch. He was elected to the new BCP Council in last weeks local elections.
“The RICS are calling on the government to bring in an urgent review business rates, with the aim of improving the whole system and help provide a shot in the arm for our ailing high streets” adds Marcus Andrews of Goadsby.
On one hand the Government are looking for business to improve the energy performance of their premises. But if say solar panels are fitted or ground source heat pump systems installed then the Ratable Value will rise as the premises are now considered to be more ‘valuable’, and so more ‘tax’ is paid. “Why can’t there be some form of Rates bill discount for having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that is better than the average rating of ‘D’?” he asks.
“The Government needs to fund the loss of any such discount from other sources of income” says Marcus Andrews “the cost to local Councils of those lower bills needs to be met by the central Government, for example a tax levied upon online retailers”
Should you require any further information or advice please feel free to contact Marcus Andrews FRICS on 01202 550140 or email: marcus.andrews@goadsby.com.