Business rates rise is insane

Tax revenue rises when rates are lowered, because low taxes discourage evasion or avoidance and encourage investment and enterprise. So why is the Government planning its insane rise in business rates? Hasn’t it noticed the large numbers of empty premises in so many high streets? Does it want, finally, to kill independent retailers? Would it like every high street to be little other than charity shops? Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, cannot proceed with this injustice. It will change the face of the country for the worse, limit consumer choice and stifle prosperity. And it will damage the Tory party, too.