Business Rates Consultation by H.M. Treasury

Business rates may not directly be related to licensing but are most definitely an issue for the leisure industry as a significant overhead of its operation.

H.M. Treasury together with the Department of Communities and Local Government have issued a discussion paper inviting comments on potential reform of the business rates system. Whilst there is a clear policy decision to retain a local tax based on property values, the discussion paper looks at different ways by which the calculation could be formulated. You can download the discussion paper here. The Government is seeking responses by 6 June 2014, although this is another consultation it is one worth engaging upon in view of the significant costs which are associated with business rates.