The ‘Robin Hood’ tax must benef it public

IN calling for higher business rates to be imposed on the out-of-town warehouses of firms such as Amazon, the SNP is addressing the transformed retail landscape of the 21st century.

The public have looked on askance as companies trading via the internet have seen sales and profits hit astronomical levels out of proportion to their tax bills.

Meanwhile, town centres have been laid waste as stores, among them storied names, pull down the shutters to be replaced by To Let signs or charity shops.

While the Mail’s instincts are to oppose Government interference in the commercial world – it’s rarely a success – and the imposition of extra taxes on businesses, the situation has become pressing.

There are many questions to be answered about the proposals. How, for instance, will the money raised be spent to benefit high streets? Will it offset business rates from start-up firms, for instance?

Might it be used to reduce the parking-charge burden on motorists, a major annoyance for shoppers keen to support bricks-and-mortar shops in town centres?

Already dubbed a ‘Robin Hood’ tax, there must be checks and balances to ensure the money truly benefits the public.

The firms affected will not like it but, one way or another, Britain’s high streets must be saved from predatory, tax-avoiding online giants.

This could be part of the answer.