Lamport Bassitt Solicitors - Legal News - FSB welcomes small business rate relief move


	LATEST LATEST LEGAL NEWS ARCHIVE		LATEST NEWS & EVENTS FSB welcomes small business rate relief move The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the government's intention to make small business rate relief automatic. However, it is warning that it is up to councils to avoid making firms carry out paperwork that is not required, which could potentially lead to the involvement of corporate legal services. FSB national chairman John Walker said: "The onus is now on councils to be creative and not needlessly make small businesses go through an application process when it is obvious they are eligible." He added that his organisations will be urging councils "to use their new powers to ensure that all small businesses receive the relief that they are entitled to". Business rates are the third biggest cost to small firm after rents and wages, explained Mr Walker, making it vitally important that the new rules are applied. R3 reported this week that one in five (19 per cent) UK businesses are worried about their amount of debt. Posted by Gaby Hamerton Related Articles: 22/9/2011 - Manufacturers targeting strategic acquisitions to drive growth 21/9/2011 - Mergers and acquisitions rule changes take effect 14/9/2011 - Govt wants to make London a 'legal hub' for the world 12/9/2011 - ICB banking reforms: banks set to be given until 2019 to prepare 8/9/2011 - Banking reforms in danger of being 'watered down' More Corporate Law News