Uniting for change

AS Dame Caroline Spelman MP, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for the horse, put it at the National Equine Forum, 8 March, the Treasury is “well aware” changes made last April to the way business rates are calculated had a negative impact on some equestrian businesses. Property-based valuations do not fairly reflect the revenue potential of, say, a riding school.

Happily, the chancellor has expressed a will to change the valuation system; an opportunity the equestrian industry needs to make the most of if we are to ensure a fair future.

This is an issue on which the British Horse Society has already campaigned a great deal. And businesses’ individual letters to their own MPs will add further weight to the lobbying efforts.

H&H would also be interested to hear from equestrian businesses that were significantly affected by the change — and, worst-case scenario, any that is on the brink of being forced to cease trading as a direct result of it.

Equally, we would be pleased to hear from those businesses who have successfully questioned the rate hike inflicted on them last year, as Nick Gauntlett describes (news, p4) and found an interpretation of the “rules” that allows them, too, to save money.

Small businesses should not be afraid to challenge valuations, although these businesses may by their very nature lack the time to do so. By sharing information we can help more equestrian businesses while lobbying continues to change an unfair system. As it stands, this is set to do great damage to our industry — not just business owners, but everyone who benefits from their existence.