The British Retail Consortium (BRC) are the leading voice in the campaign to get the current Business Rate in England and Wales reformed and not simply revalued when the delayed 2015 review falls due in 2017.  They have issued a discussion paper outlining 4 possible new approaches which they hope will spark broad public discussion, in parallel to Government’s own initial consultation promised for latter in 2014.

BRC’s vision is:

“Reform of the business rate system before April 2017 to:

• Reduce the disincentive to operate from property
• Create a system which incentivises economically beneficial behaviours”.

Retail and the look and feel of the of the High Street, be that in village, town or City influences the attractiveness of urban areas as destinations, whilst urban destinations often play an import role in supporting rural tourism.   On that basis tourism and the wider visitor economy really do need to have a clear opinion and a strong voice in this debate.  The BRC paper may act as timely catalyst for the start of both national and local tourism engagement. Access it  at:  Business Rates -The Road to Reform – BRC Feb 2014