Abta lobbies on business rates reform for high street agencies

Abta is adding its voice to those lobbying the government about rising business rates bills on the high street.

Reports say that the government is expected soon to announce a U-turn on increases to business rates bills faced by pubs in England.

The BBC said other high street shops, pharmacies and music venues have also called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to backtrack on the increases for them as well as pubs.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “Abta believes any changes to business rates must benefit all high street retailers, including travel agents.

“It cannot be right to recognise that proposed reforms do not go far enough and then only extend further help to certain sectors.

“Abta has consistently called for support for high street agents. We believe that rates should be reformed to ensure these businesses – which are often family run and SMEs – are able to compete fairly.

“Travel companies help a high street thrive – attracting other businesses, supporting community and offering that all important personal connection when booking a holiday, something that remains hugely important despite the online world we operate in.

“They also make an important contribution to their local economy, including providing jobs and developing skills.”

The association said that the outbound travel industry contributes more than £52 billion in GVA [gross value added] annually and supports a total of 818,000 jobs across the UK.  

After the Budget in November, it emerged many high street travel agencies will face higher business rates next year despite “lower tax rates”.

A Covid-era 40% discount on business rates will end in April and the government has a new, higher assessment of the value of buildings that is used to calculate business rates in England.

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