Chloe calls for further action on business rates

Caroline Spelman, Shadow Communities and Local Government Minister, accompanied Chloe to the Firs Service Station in Hellesdon to discuss business rates with the proprietor of a number of local petrol stations. As MP for Norwich North, Chloe has been campaigning regularly on steep business rates for local pubs and independent petrol retailers. Chloe brought the Shadow Minister who would be responsible for this area in a Conservative government to see matters for herself.

Chloe adds: "This government has been downright lax in letting high rates go ahead at a time of recession. Firstly, they have used a method based on 2008 property values, basically ‘baking in' boom values for the next five years. Secondly, they failed to bother with an impact assessment. Thirdly, pubs and petrol stations are hit by a particular rule that effectively penalises higher turnover. This is unfair on local businesses and a Conservative government will review the methods used."