FSB launches postcard campaign calling for automatic rate relief

Hundreds of business owners are knocking on the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s door this week at the launch of a new postcard campaign calling for automatic rate relief.

Delegates at the FSB’s annual conference in the Celtic Manor, Newport, are being asked to fill in postcards urging Alistair Darling to allow rate relief to be made automatic for eligible small firms in next month’s Budget.

The cards are going through the letterbox of a mock No.11 Downing Street door at the Conference and will be posted on to the Chancellor.

This campaign follows a Private Members’ Bill pioneered by the FSB and sponsored by Conservative MP Peter Luff earlier this month which received cross-party support but was withdrawn following indications that the Government was considering the Bill’s proposals.

More than half of small businesses miss out on claiming back up to £1,200 off their business rates because they are unaware they are entitled to do so. Business rates are the third largest cost to small firms, after salaries and rent. Yet some local authorities do not publicise the rate relief many small firms are entitled to. Every year, around £400 million, calculated and ear-marked by the Treasury for eligible businesses, goes unclaimed – even though this money poses no extra cost to the Government or tax payer.

FSB National Chairman John Wright said:

“We were pleased to hear that the Government was considering introducing automatic rate relief when the Private Members Bill was debated. It is important that the Chancellor keeps this in mind as he writes the next Budget and the FSB will be keeping up the pressure through the postcard campaign to urge him to do so.

“Next month’s Budget could be make or break for small businesses. With around 120 businesses going bust a day it is crucial that more is done to sustain their cashflow. Introducing automatic rate relief will help free up vital cash and forms part of the FSB’s ongoing Keep Trade Local campaign by saving thousands of small businesses from closure.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

The FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with over 215,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at http://www.fsb.org.uk.

This Bill forms part of the FSB’s Keep Trade Local campaign which seeks to stem the tide of business closures, reverse the trend and defend the choice and diversity customers deserve. Visit www.fsb.org.uk/keeptradelocal

The FSB’s annual conference is being held at Celtic Manor, Usk Valley near Newport, South Wales from Thursday 19 March to Saturday 21 March 2009. Computer company Dell is the top sponsor for the event and insurance company Towergate is the main supporter.

The Exhibitors are Dell; RBS Worldpay – Streamline; School Governors’ One Stop Shop; Hospital & Medical Care Association; 123 Send; NFSE Sales & Publications; FSB Factors; FSB Diamond Account; Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills; Business Simplification Programme – BERR; Child Support Agency; DeVine Personalised Gifts; Independent Financial Services (IFS) Ltd; FSB Gold Club; Towergate Insurance Ltd; FSB Care – Red Arc; FSB Telecom; HM Revenue & Customs; Design Council; Abbey Legal Services; ASC Finance for Business; Co-operative Bank; Health & Safety Executive; Intellectual Property Office; Centrica plc (British Gas Business); Visa Commercial; UK Trade & Investment.

The conference will be opened by an impressive panel, including Councillor Noel Trigg the Mayor of Newport City Council. Other guests will include Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham, Secretary of State for Wales the Rt Hon. Paul Murphy MP, the newly appointed shadow business minister, Kenneth Clarke and the Deputy First Minister for Wales, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Delegates will also have a chance to debate and ask questions at the FSB’s very own Question Time hosted by John Humphrys with a panel of cross party politicians. Renowned broadcaster Andrew Neil will give a motivational speech and four-times Paralympic Gold medallist, David Roberts will be congratulated by delegates on his achievement. Previous conferences have been held in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast and Leeds.

The Celtic Manor is the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup event.

Contacts:

Stephen Alambritis: 07788 422155
Sophie Kummer: 07917 628998
Prue Watson: 07825 125695
Marc Shoffman: 07595 067068

For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk/regions