Incentives should encourage the growth of small businesses not just the quick revenue brought about through large scale developments, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has said.
It comes as a reminder as the consultation process on the Local Government Resource Review has recently closed.
Long-term sustainable growth should not be compromised in return for the business rates local governments can obtain from large and especially out of town developments, the FSB said.
There are a number of incentives which can be offered to small businesses including rate relief and hardship relief, which within the context of the National Planning Policy Framework can help to regenerate high streets.
The FSB has been in existence since 1974 and now represents 33 regions with its 194 branches.
John Walker, national chairman of the FSB, said: “We have said from the start that the reliefs that are available to small businesses must continue to be funded by the government so that local authorities still have a reason to promote them.”
