Toby Perkins MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Small Business, responding to the Government’s announcement on business rates today, said:

“The Government has been pushed into action on business rates by Labour after Ed Miliband’s call for a cut. But today’s announcement falls far short of what firms suffering from the cost-of-living crisis have been crying out for.

“Business rates are employers’ number-one complaint about costs and, as with the Government’s announcement on energy prices, firms will still face rising bills. Business rates will still rise by an average of over £250 in April, on top of £1,500 so far under David Cameron.

“By contrast, under Labour’s plan, 1.5 million start-ups, workshops and shops would benefit from a cut and then a freeze in business rates.”