MP lends support to port businesses
CONSERVATIVE MP David Davis is demanding the Government takes action over the rates shake-up affecting businesses operating on port land.
The Haltemprice and Howden MP is calling for the Government to stop the retrospective collection of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) which have resulted in businesses being presented with unexpected bills totalling more than £20m, including payments for this year and back payments as far back as 2005.
The changes have been made under a review programme by the Valuation Office.
Mr Davis said:”This announcement could not have come at a worse time for the affected local businesses. Many businesses are already struggling to cope with the economic downturn, increased energy and business costs and they will now be hit with a massive tax bill, back dated for three years.
“If the Government is so determined to bring these changes in they should have made their intentions clear to businesses well in advance so that they could include them in their future business planning.
“The rating of Hull Port has already occurred and just a few weeks ago I offered my support to Hull City Council Leader Cllr Carl Minns on this issue.
“The bills relating to businesses on the docks in Goole will be sent out shortly and I am very concerned that unless we get direct intervention from the Government soon, then jobs and business will be put at risk.”
David Johnson, financial director of RMS Group Holdings and spokesman for the Humber Dock Rating Group, welcomed the comments.
He said: “As the bills roll in to the southern ports – we have to stand together. Here in Hull, local people are very concerned about what is happening. Are we going to let jobs disappear or are we going to fight these unfair rates?
“Here we are in the early stages of a recession and we are being in effect, told to put our charges up. It is absurd and the logistics industry has to stand together and say ‘No’.”
Mr Johnson has already had a meeting with David Cameron – with meetings also due to take place this month with Diana Johnson Labour MP for Hull North and Ian Cawsey, Labour MP for Brigg and Goole.
