With much of the new Government’s focus for property thus far having targeted planning reform, garden centre owners are poised to see what, if any, changes are made to the Business Rates system in the coming months, Malcolm Scott Consultants have said.
The business, which provides expert planning, development and property advice and support to the garden centre and farm shop sector, said that the topic would be one of its key focuses at GLEE next month.
Chris Primett said: “The new Government has wasted no time in outlining its proposals for the planning system, but there are some significant questions hanging over ratepayers regarding the future of the property taxation system, which we’re keen to see clarified.
“In actual fact, the Labour Manifesto stated that the party planned to replace the business rates system altogether, raising the same revenue in a fairer way and levelling the playing field between the high street and online giants, which is a bold move considering Business Rates brings in a revenue of around £22.9 billion per year after reliefs in England alone.
“What we in the garden centre and farm shop sector are particularly interested in is the how long the existing levels of rates relief will continue, and how much red tape there will be tied up in the Duty To Notify plans moving forward. Retail properties have been enjoying relief for some years now further to the previous Government introducing a relief system to support the High Street during the Pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis.While it’s clear that level of support is not sustainable for much longer, business owners need to know what to expect, and in what timescales,” said Chris.
“Our clients are also concerned about the worrisome ‘Duty to Notify’ rule, as detailed in the Non-Domestic Rating Act 2023, which will make ratepayers responsible for notifying the Valuation Office of any changes to their properties which could affect its Rateable Value, under peril of fierce financial penalties for non-compliance. With many of the operators we work with having small and efficient teams, and more than one site to oversee, this additional admin, and the fear of misunderstanding and misrepresenting their business and paying a penalty is a very real concern,” he added.
Chris said that colleagues from the business’ dedicated Business Rates team would be on hand at GLEE to talk to delegates about the current system and to address any concerns they may have.
Malcolm Scott Consultants can be found on stand 9L80-K81 at GLEE from September 10-12th.
To make an appointment, contact Chris at chrisp@malcolmscott.co.uk.
Image: iStock/Pakin Jarerndee
