Property Week News, analysis, insight and events for UK property professionals
Colliers’ John Webber explains why the business rates model is still broken
The relief package for pubs does nothing to help the wider hospitality and retail sector in the longer term.
Home » Author Archives: John Webber
Rates law is an attack on UK plc
The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill recently gained royal assent.
Business rates reform is urgent
With the Autumn Statement due later this month, it is time for the chancellor to think about business rates. Neither the current Non-Domestic Rating Bill passing through parliament nor the Business Rates Avoidance and Evasion consultation resolve the issue that business rates are too high and increasingly unsustainable for businesses.
Rates reform brings some relief along with a bundle of red tape
On the surface, the changes proposed in the new Non-Domestic Rates Bill look positive.
Time for a crackdown on rogue rating advisers
It is time the government stepped in to regulate the rating surveying profession to protect customers from cowboy ‘rating advisers‘ that take advantage of vulnerable businesses.
What went wrong with the government’s CARF scheme?
A fifth (20%) of the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) had still not been allocated to businesses as of the deadline date of 30 September 2022, according to the government’s latest official data.
Scary silence on business rates
The chancellor’s not-so-mini Budget was full of soundbite tax-cutting announcements. But when it came to business rates, they hardly got a mention. This is exceedingly worrying.
Could online tax save the high street?
The government’s current consultation (due to close on 20 May) on the benefits of an online sales tax to relieve pressure on business rates arose following calls from the retail and rating industry for a fairer tax system.
VOA should give hospitality sector some slack
At a time when the hotel, hospitality and pub industries are trying to get back on their feet following the onslaught of Covid-19 and lockdowns, it is desperately disappointing to see the government’s Valuation Office Agency (VOA) stepping up aggressive demands.
Reform of business rates relief must not be delayed any longer
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has alluded that he might not give a comprehensive response to the consultation on business rates reform when he gives his Budget next Wednesday, but might “tinker with the system” – on the grounds that he has not yet had time to give the question proper consideration.