SMALL BUSINESS RATES

That this House notes that the Government announced a small business rate increase for 2009 of 5.02 per cent. to reflect inflation, while the standard national non-domestic rate was increased by 4.97 per cent., thereby making small businesses pay a higher rate for what is their third highest business cost after salaries and rent; further notes the Government gave local councils 2.5 per cent. to reflect inflation for the same period; further notes that small businesses are the engine of our economy and will need to create jobs as the UK moves towards recovery; and therefore calls on the Government to review its policies regarding small businesses and to reduce their taxes and costs.