Rob Blackie want to scrap business rates to boost our high streets

Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Rob Blackie has called for business rates to be scrapped as part of his party’s plan for high streets.

Speaking on a visit to businesses in Brick Lane, Blackie said, “Our tax reforms will slash the burden on struggling high street shop owners, and make sure landowners pay their fair share – especially as they have often benefited from rising land values.

“The current business rates system forces struggling high street tenants to pay tax on top of high energy bills and rising production costs. “. Only the Liberal Democrats have a credible plan for reforming business taxes.

“Our proposal aims to provide essential relief and inject vitality into our local economies.”

Blackie was joined by Rabina Khan, Liberal Democrat MP candidate for Bethnal Green and Stepney, who said: “We aim to create a more equitable system that supports our local businesses.”