The FSB's Local Government Policy Unit works to ensure small businesses can compete and grow locally and are treated fairly by local authorities and Government regarding rates, business taxes, planning and procurement.
Roger Culcheth, FSB Local Government Chairman
Current work
> Business Rates
Business rates are the third largest outgoing for small firms after wages and rent so it is vital that all small businesses know about the reliefs available and how rates bills are charged.
The Valuation Office Agency has published the rateable values of commercial premises which will inform next year's business rate bills. You can view the rateable value of your property on the VOA website, where you can appeal the value or compare with others.
> Automatic Small Business Rate Relief
The Government has increased the thresholds for small business rate relief which could mean your business is now eligible for a cheaper bill. Download this letter to see if your business applies.
With the help of Peter Luff MP, the FSB pioneered a Private Members Bill calling for small business rate relief to be applied automatically for eligible firms. The Conservative Party has adopted the policy, and the Local Government Association also supported the Bill.
> Empty Properties
The FSB believes that during these difficult economic times the Government should reinstate empty property relief to help those businesses that cannot sell or rent out properties. Empty property tax is causing many small firms to demolish properties, halting development works and impacting on regeneration projects.
The FSB supports the British Property Federation's Empty Rates Campaign.
> Business Rates Supplement
The FSB opposes the timing and the purpose of the Business Rate Supplement as this fund raising burden will hinder small firms during the recession. The FSB, along with other business organisations, has sent a letter to the Chancellor Alistair Darling putting forward our proposals to make it less harmful, which can be seen on pages 17 and 18 of document below.
Read the House of Lords debate on the legislation:
> Local Government Accord
As part of the Keep Trade Local campaign, the FSB has initiated the Small Business Engagement Accord to help build relationships between small businesses and local authorities.
> Planning
Small businesses and town centres are vital to local communities. Many town centres are under threat because of the rise of out of town shopping centres and this is due to the planning system.
> Sub National Review
The Government has proposed a wide ranging change to the way regional governance is organised, including changing the powers and responsibilities that Regional Development Agencies have.
Stakeholders
Department of Communities and Local Government
London Councils
Local Government Association
British Property Federation