Will Kwarteng’s fiscal statement reveal help for business rates?

This Friday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is expected to reveal a ‘fiscal statement’. It is speculated that the fiscal statement will include the estimated cost of the government plans to cap energy costs for businesses and domestic households alike. Perhaps the most pressing matter for business owners and leaders however is the predicted upcoming business rates hike, and with it, the fervent hope that the Chancellor’s fiscal statement will contain viable solutions.

Business owners and leaders across the country will be hoping that this fiscal statement will include more information about the expected business rates hike in the next revaluation (from the 1st of April 2023). Business rates are set at each revaluation for a period of time known as a rating list. The current rating list, running from the 1st of April 2017 until the 31st of March 2023, was extended due to the pandemic in an attempt to ease the burden on businesses.

While the announcement of the next rating list changing to a period of just three years has already circulated, there is much speculation still as to just how much business rates will rise. Experts have widely predicted that business rates will rise by up to 12% – over £2 billion is the expected amount. This rates hike, in which the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) ballpark figure will be announced in the coming weeks, is another blow on top of increasing overheads, and decreasing help from the government.

Declining help from government another blow to businesses

In response to the pandemic, the government brought in a covid relief package for businesses across the UK. This £1.5 billion package was distributed to the affected businesses, at the discretion of local councils. A move that saw a very uneven delivery – with a predicted third of all businesses that applied for the covid business rates relief, received no help at all.

With the covid relief set to end in all but a few councils, business owners must turn to other avenues to seek help. Given that many other reliefs have also ended, it is no surprise that business owners and leaders are struggling to create savings in a notoriously outdated tax system.

Anthony Hughes, Managing Director of the business rates reduction specialist RVA Surveyors, said: “Business rates has seen an upwards-only trend for years, and we need to see from this fiscal statement from the Chancellor must contain effective pathways to help businesses manage the expected business rates hike. The government must step up and start delivering support, as well as building confidence in British businesses.”

Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
With over 20 years of experience in the field SEO and digital marketing, Sam Allcock is a highly regarded entrepreneur. He is based in Cheshire but has an interest in all things going on in the North West and enjoys contributing local news to the site.
spot_imgspot_img

Latest

Unravelling the Mysteries of Accountancy Practice Management Software

In the bustling world of accountancy, it can often...

Healthcare Data Security: A Primer on HIPAA Compliance and Software Solutions

In the digital age, the healthcare industry has witnessed...

Win for Sir Bobby – Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United players...

Cricket World Cup: England’s Reece Topley out with broken finger as Brydon Carse called up

England’s leading wicket-taker at the 2023 World Cup, Reece...
spot_img

Subscribe to our newsletter

Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.

Don't miss

More News

Mark Flanagan Awarded ‘Food Defender’ Title

Mark Flanagan, Founder and CEO of Manchester-based Shield Safety Group, has been recognised for his pioneering, landmark achievements in developing and implementing food safety standards...

Merck Global Health Innovation Fund Unveils Expert Recommendations for Overcoming Funding Obstacles in the Digital Health Industry

Securing investment has become an uphill battle for privately held digital health companies amidst challenging conditions. Nevertheless, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund President, Bill...

Scott Dylan Explores the Rise of CHATGPT: Revolutionising Human-Computer Interaction

Scott Dylan, Co-Founder of Inc & Co delves into how ChatGPT has transformed the way humans interact with machines, from customer service to content...