The Communities and Local Government Committee has just closed its call for evidence for an inquiry into the Government’s current proposals for reviewing the business rates system.

The inquiry is:

• examining what responsibilities should be devolved to local authorities in return for the increased funding
• looking into the likely impact resulting from councils competing on business rates, and
• considering what measures should be introduced to ensure local areas with less ability to generate business rates income do not suffer as a result of these changes.

CTG has submitted a short response highlighting our concerns over what the proposed changes will mean for business rate reliefs, particularly the 20 per cent discretionary relief.