Important:

This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament

Petition Give businesses the right to opt out of Business Improvements District levies

Many businesses are being required to pay levy rates into Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which can be extortionate, and of which many don’t see a penny back. Some businesses have closed down because they simply can’t afford to pay up with these levies.

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Businesses are struggling and we believe yet another tax is no help to saving our high streets and protecting local businesses. The Government needs to give businesses the right to opt out of these levies, so those who can afford to pay the levy can to keep BIDs operating, and protecting small businesses who are struggling at the same time.

This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months

414 signatures

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10,000 signatures required to get a government response

Share your experiences and ideas on small businesses, employment and the high street

On Wednesday 7 December, Catherine West MP will lead a debate in Parliament entitled ‘Employment and the high street.’

To inform the debate, she would like to hear from small business owners, customers and others:

  • How would you describe your local high street and any issues it might be facing?
  • What kind of support would be helpful for small business owners?
  • What should be done to keep high streets vibrant and attract customers?

She may quote your contribution directly during her debate.

Find out more and share your ideas with her by midday on Tuesday 6 December: Employment and the high street

Videos of the debate, the transcript of what was said in it, and other relevant material will be available on this webpage shortly after the debate.

What are Westminster Hall debates?

Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.

Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.

Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.

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