LETTERS

摘要

Given that the Government has been rightly outspoken about the importance of businesses paying their fair share of tax, it is imperative that the same principle applies at local level regarding business rates collection. South Tyneside MBC has strong collection rates that exceed the national average for metropolitan councils. However, the council is experiencing difficulties with contrived tenancies and the transitory nature of licensees, particularly within the pub industry, with our ability to collect sums due hampered because the existing legislation encourages landlord and tenant agreements that commonly lead to non-payment of business rates.