Lib Dems to scrap business rates to "breathe new life" into high streets in High Peak

The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to scrap business rates and replace them with a landowner levy, to "breathe new life" into high streets in High Peak.

The party would replace business rates with a commercial landowner levy, based on the value of the land only. This would take the cost off businesses and help support high streets.

The proposals would cut taxes for businesses by 34% in High Peak.

By taxing landowners rather than businesses, half a million small businesses across the country would be spared the burden of property taxation.

Liberal Democrat candidate David Lomax said:

"Many retailers and small businesses in High Peak are under pressure from
economic uncertainty, the rise of online retail and the burden of business rates.

"The Liberal Democrats will shift the tax burden from tenants to landlords, so we can breathe new life back into our high streets. We will stop Brexit and build a brighter future, giving local businesses the certainty and support they need to thrive."