Content

The
Council voted (17 voting in favour, 5 voting against, 2 abstaining
from voting) on an amendment submitted by Councillor James Rixon,
which was carried, as follows:
 
“This council supports the principle of abolishing
business rates for pubs, high street shops and the hospitality
sector. and replacing them with a Commercial Landowner Levy
(CLL) based only on the value of the land where the business is
located.
Council
believes such a system would benefit our high streets; boost
business investment, productivity and wages; enable more businesses
to tackle the climate emergency; and help bridge the gap between
shops and online retail giants.
The
current business rates system is based on a property's 'rateable
value', which includes 'plant and machinery', which Council
believes effectively taxes the investments a company makes in its
premises that could make it more productive or energy
efficient.
Council
welcomes that such a levy would be paid by property owners, not
tenants, shifting the administrative burden and the associated cost
away from businesses.
Council
believes that should the system be reformed, the government must
ensure changes won’t affect local government
finances.
 
Council
further notes and supports Liberal Democrat proposals to support
high streets and hospitality, including cutting VAT by 5% for
hospitality, accommodation and attractions until April
2027.”
 
 
It was
agreed (unanimous) that the motion as amended by Councillor James
Rixon be withdrawn.