Julian is welcoming the decision taken in the Autumn Statement to introduce a package of measures to benefit high streets.
The MP had called on the Chancellor to consider more support for retail premises, such as shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, following a number of meetings in the constituency, including with Skipton Town Council and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, where the issue was raised.
The Autumn Statement announced measures including:
• A 2 per cent cap on everyone’s business rate increases.
• £1,000 off business rate bills for all retail premises with a rateable value up to £50,000 for 2014/15 and 2015/16. This includes shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
• A new reoccupation relief, which will halve the rates bills of businesses taking over premises empty for over a year.
• The doubling of Small Business Rate Relief is being extended to April 2015 and expanded.
Julian said:
“I urged the Government to listen to the calls from local businesses and I am pleased they have taken on board the concerns and acted.
“Our high streets are at the heart of communities across my constituency so this business rate reduction for shops, pubs and cafes is very welcome.
“The full package of support for businesses unveiled in the Autumn Statement will provide more confidence for them to invest and grow and I will continue to work hard to back them all the way.”
Find out more about the Autumn Statement and its impact at www.yourautumnstatement.com