Federation of Small Businesses calls for business rates to be scrapped for nurseries

[FSFRebecca]

As we have discussed before on the FSF the business rates re-evaluation that happened last year created significant increases for many non-charity run early years settings. With the increasing costs of minimum/living wage, pensions and consumables many providers are struggling to make ends meet. Following research, the Federation of Small Businesses has published it's report 'Handle with Care' which clearly sets out the impact that government policy is having on early years. They are calling for nurseries to be removed from business rates in an effort to ensure the sustainability of the sector.

You can read how this has been reported in the press here: Nursery World and The Times.

How much of a difference would it make to your setting if business rates were scrapped?

[FSFRebecca]

Responses so far from Twitter:

"My total business rates bill has increased by £6.6K (around 9% increase) this year to £76.7K  That's a lot of additional govt. funded childcare hours at £4.40"

"Our rateable value went from £13,000 to £30,500 with the re-evaluation"

[AnonyMouse_53422]

Ours increased hugely this year, with the funding remaining low and increase in costs such as the national living wage and pensions this is inevitably affecting the budget. 

 

Edited April 25, 2018 by Clare_Matthews