Uniform Business Rate

HC Deb 14 March 1990 vol 169 c265W

106. Mr. Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the impact of the unified business rate on small business growth in the midlands.

107. Mr. Cunliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the impact of the unified business rate on small business growth in the midlands.

Mr. Chope

The uniform business rate and the non-domestic revaluation do not come into effect until 1 April 1990, but when they do, average non-domestic rate bills will fall in real terms by 6 per cent. in the west midlands and 4 per cent. in the east midlands in 1990–91 and, once transition to the new system is complete, by 28 per cent. and 15 per cent. respectively. This will be a stimulus to business growth.