Government seeks views on administration of business rates system
11 Apr 2014 12:36 PM
Discussion paper looking
at responsiveness and effectiveness of system
launched.
The government has launched
a discussion paper on the administration of the business rates
system and is seeking views from businesses and local
authorities.
Part of the government’s
commitment to making the tax system simpler, easier to understand and more
transparent, the review will consider how the business rates system in England
is administered by the Valuation Office
Agency and local authorities.
It invites views on how the
administration could be improved in the longer term – following the
planned 2017 business rates revaluation – and the government hopes to use
the review to strengthen the system’s responsiveness to changes in
property values and its simplicity and transparency for business
ratepayers.
Announced at Autumn Statement
2013, the review will focus on five elements of the system: how property is
valued; how often property is valued; how business rates bills are set; how
business rates are collected and how information about ratepayers and business
rates is used.
Exchequer Secretary to the
Treasury, David Gauke, said:
The government’s long term
economic plan is to support business and enterprise and we have taken a number
of steps to help them with their business rates. This includes over £1
billion of business rates support which took effect on Sunday.
Through this review, we want to
look at options for longer-term reforms that will make the system fairer, more
efficient and more responsive to economic circumstances, while making sure
business rates remain a stable and sustainable tax which funds essential local
services.
Local Government Minister
Brandon Lewis added:
A key part of the
government’s long-term economic plan is to back business with taxes which
are lower and more efficient.
We have already brought in the
biggest package of business rate support in over 20 years for small firms,
local shops and pubs.
The government will now look at
options for longer-term administrative reform of business rates after 2017 that
are simpler and deliver fairness, stability and predictability to
ratepayers.
Views are sought from all those
who interact with the business rates system. Responses are requested by 6 June
2014 and should be sent to:businessrates.review@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk