Following their decision to delay the revaluation business premises, Northern Ireland has again shown the way to Wales on how to use devolution to reduce business rates and support the economy.Whilst empty properties are liable to 100% liability in England and Wales for all commercial properties, including factories, the Northern Ireland Government has decided to keep the rating of empty commercial properties will remain frozen at 50%.
The question, of course, is why WAG continues to simply copy England on the issue of business rates rather than develop their own policies on the matter.
So much for devolution.
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And how would implementing your idea effect the UK block grant - more or less public money to spend here vs. direct benefits to our private businesses?
The Welsh Assembly simply does not have the power to do so.
Ive asked the Conservative group to explain their policy of stopping the revaluation in Wales, but I've never had an answer.
I will ask you the same thing. How could the Welsh Government stop the revaluation in Wales as you want? A straight answer would be good. Either explain how WAG could do it, or please stop pushing policies which are impossible.
You are slowly losing credibility as a result of your comments.
Here in Aberconwy many of those in the retail sector have been badly let down by the lack of policy direction in this respect.
Janet Finch-Saunders