Paul Turner-Mitchell
AnalysisBusiness rates reform – 'devolution revolution' or con-trick?
At first glance, the devolution of business rates looks like good news, but is it smoke and mirrors from George Osborne?
OpinionComment: Government has treated the high street as a cash cow for too long
Shop vacancy rates have increased for the first time in almost two years, but Government must stop treating the high street as a cash cow.
OpinionComment: Chancellor must be commended on business rates but revaluations are critical
I have always addressed the position of business rates from one of fairness. A taxation policy must be fair and we all know rates for retail are not fair.
OpinionComment: Only Government can deliver fairness on business rates – not councils
As much as political reshuffles are hyped in the media as hugely important, most people know it’s a case of ‘meet the new boss, same as the old boss’.
OpinionComment: Government needs to look again at business rates data
Yesterday the new High Street’s Minister, Brandon Lewis, came to the despatch box for Opposition Day in the House of Commons to debate, at Labour’s request, zero hour contracts, high streets and changes to use orders.
OpinionComment: Appeals backlog should trigger transparency at the Valuation Office Agency
The Government must make the setting of business rates more open and transparent in order to cut the number of unnecessary appeals and reduce the cost of the Valuation Office Agency.
OpinionComment: The tired business rates system needs some political TLC
Any taxation system has to be fair, transparent and the burden should be equally borne irrespective of sector. Sadly these traits are currently missing from the business rate system.
OpinionComment: Tackling business rates would create the lifeline that high streets need
Governments exaggerate. We all know that. Most of us laugh when we hear ministers promising a New Jerusalem.
OpinionHigh Street Revival: Creating better town centres
You’d expect a conference bringing people together around the sombre fact that the North West has the highest number of empty shops to be a pretty solemn affair.