As President of a Chamber of Commerce representing businesses in a small market town on the Welsh border, I witness first-hand the struggles that local enterprises face due to the current business rates support system. Our businesses are at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts across the border in England, where different charging mechanisms are applied.

In Wales, business rates are calculated based on rateable value and multiplier, which can lead to high costs for small and medium-sized enterprises. In contrast, England has introduced Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) which significantly reduces or even eliminates business rates for eligible companies with properties that have lower rateable values (source: UK Government website). This discrepancy creates an uneven playing field between businesses operating in Wales and those in England.

We believe it's time for change. We urge the Welsh Government to review its approach towards charging business rates support and consider aligning it with England's model. By doing so, we can create an environment where businesses thrive irrespective of their geographical location within our great nation.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair treatment for all businesses across Wales and England alike. Let us work together towards creating a more equitable economic landscape.