Oxfordshire MP in ‘urgent’ business rates call to government

Olly Glover, representative for Didcot and Wantage, has called for reform to the business rates system and for ‘independent shop zones’ to be implemented as he highlighted growing pressures on small businesses.

His intervention comes the same week as Oxfordshire County Council launched a controversial new plan for Wantage Market Place which would see car parking spaces removed, bus stops improved and new pedestrianised areas created.

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The aim of these changes – which are only partially funded – is to create a “vibrant, welcoming and accessible space for everyone” and to encourage sustainable transport.

In addition, the council said the proposals will “support local businesses by promoting tourism, and encouraging local people to visit more often and stay for longer”.

New plans have recently been revealed for Wantage Market Place (Image: Supplied)

However, they have not been universally welcomed with members of the town concerned at the loss of parking, although the council says there are options nearby.

In addition, these changes come as businesses in Wantage say they are facing an increasingly challenging landscape.

In recent months women’s clothing store New Look, off Limborough Road, has closed as has Cozzy Lounge in Newbury Street and the Wantage Chippy in Wallingford Street.

The opening of the Wantage Chippy in 2023 (Image: Ed Nix)

Though, Maeri Howard of the local chamber of commerce said that business was still good in the birthplace of Anglo-Saxon monarch King Alfred the Great, business rates are a particular burden.

She said: “The most meaningful support for our businesses would come through genuine reform of business rates, which continue to penalise physical premises at a time when they need encouragement, not additional burden.”

Mr Glover agreed and reiterated his call for reform to the business rates system during a recent Westminster Hall debate on support for high streets.

New Look in Wantage (Image: Google Maps)

The Liberal Democrat wants a 5 per cent VAT cut for hospitality and reform of the rates system and he has urged the Government to give councils powers to create “independent shop zones” to support small, locally owned businesses and tackle the spread of empty units and chain stores.

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He said: “A successful high street is not just about shops. It is about community, connection and local pride.

He added: “The districts have lost up to £2.4 million in recent funding, while Oxfordshire County Council will lose £24 million over three years, significantly reducing councils’ ability to support high streets and local businesses.

“The Government needs to give power and funding to our local councils to support our independent shops and the value they provide to the community, as well as urgently reform the business rates system and tackle spiralling energy costs.”