Small shops and businesses are vital to Islington and the Government must act to support them. 

Islington Labour is committed to supporting local small businesses because they are at the heart of our local communities. 98 per cent of all businesses in the borough are small or micro businesses employing fewer than 50 people.

However, small businesses in Islington are struggling to cope with the huge Government increases in business rates bills.

Islington’s businesses were hit with the third highest increases in England, and average increases of 42 per cent! We are deeply concerned that many small businesses could be forced to close or to move out of the borough as a result of increased business rates bills.

The Government needs to help small businesses now, by reducing the amount small businesses in Islington have to pay in business rates.

Under Islington Labour’s leadership, Islington Council is supporting a petition led by the Islington Chamber of Commerce that calls for support for small businesses in the borough.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said:

“Small businesses are at the heart of our community, creating jobs and opportunities, but many have been hit hard following the Government’s increases in rateable values.

 

“We’re strongly supporting this call for the Government to increase the threshold for Small Business Rates Relief – it would make a huge difference to Islington’s smallest businesses.”

Please sign the petition and share it.

Our local small businesses need your support.