FSB calls on the North for rates relief ideas

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has today called for the views from the broader business community in the North on what format a small business rates relief scheme should look like.

Its call comes as the FSB is currently developing a model for a small business rates relief scheme which will accommodate the concerns of all its members who are struggling with high rates bills.

FSB regional chairman John Friel said: “For some time the FSB have been campaigning for a small business rates relief scheme, which Scotland and England already have in operation and one which would be appropriate for the Northern Ireland economy.”

“Despite the concerns voiced by our members, the Government have still not brought its own ideas forward, nor even set a target date for the introduction for such a scheme in Northern Ireland.”

“As an organisation that represents nearly 6000 small businesses in Northern Ireland, we have always wanted to see a fair system of rates for all and believe that such a scheme could be designed to incorporate appropriate relief for small manufacturers and other sectors.

“Rather than seek exemptions for one sector our policy has always been to get a fair deal in the rating system for all small businesses which ensures that businesses do not close because of high rates bills and which allows businesses to have the capital to grow," said Mr Friel.