Today (1st March) an Islington Labour councillor and business representatives delivered a 12,658-strong petition to the Treasury. The petition calls on the Government to freeze plans to dramatically raise Islington’s business rates.
The Tory Government’s proposed business rates rise will see Islington businesses’ rateable values rise by 45 per cent -; the third highest rise in England.
The Islington Chamber of Commerce and Angel Business Improvement District, supported by Islington Council, handed the petition to Treasury officials ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget announcement on 8th March.
12,658 signatories asked the Government to freeze the implementation of the business rates valuation until after Britain leaves the EU. The petition also urges the Treasury to extend reliefs, which will help small and medium businesses cope with the effect of a significant rise.
Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Economic Development, said:
“A big increase in business rates could force small and medium businesses to close or move -; damaging the diverse and independent nature of our business communities.
“We urge the Treasury to stop these plans and support our shops and services in these turbulent times ahead.”
You can still add your call to the ongoing petition against the business rates rise on Change.org.
Pictured – Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Economic Development, and business representatives delivering the business rates petition to the Treasury