P&R needs to adjust TRP in face of virus
THERE IS need for measures of support for the Guernsey economy in the face of disruption from the coronavirus outbreak.
Given that the UK chancellor has announced that ‘tens of thousands of England’s retail, leisure and hospitality firms will not pay any business rates in the coming year’, what are the States going to do for businesses hit by the coronavirus, particularly if there is a forced shutdown?
Insurance cover, sick pay and cash flow will be at the forefront of small business concerns as Covid-19 rages on. P&R need to make some adjustments to small business rates. The effect of the coronavirus was not a consideration at time of last November’s Budget.
Commercial TRP tariffs were increased by 10% with effect from 1 January 2020, to be paid by 1 April. An additional tariff was placed on the general office and ancillary category by £5.70 per unit.
There is also the plight of householders subject to domestic TRP tariffs hiked by 10.2% for payment by 1 April. And the additional TRP tariffs of 15% to 60% placed on 30% of domestic properties.
It’s time to roll back the increases in TRP tariffs made in the Budget back in November.
DEPUTY DAVID DE LISLE
Address withheld.