Credit: The Bolton News
Exclusion Frustration: Bolton Estate Agent Reacts to Business Rates Announcement
Cardwells Estate Agents, based in Bolton, expresses concern following the recent announcement by Chancellor Rishi Sunak regarding the scrapping of business rates, which excludes firms in the property sector. While Sunak’s decision aims to provide relief to businesses in the retail, leisure, and hospitality industries with a rateable value of less than £51,000 for a year, estate agents like Cardwells are left unaffected. Andrew Cardwell, representing Cardwells Estate Agents, voices frustration over the perceived oversight, stressing the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the property market and advocating for inclusion in the relief measures. Andrew Cardwell acknowledges the potential benefits of the policy outlined by Sunak but highlights the disappointment felt within the estate agency sector. Despite sharing characteristics with retail establishments, such as shop windows, estate agents are excluded from the relief scheme, leaving them liable to continue paying business rates while similar businesses enjoy exemption. Travel agents, funeral parlours, and betting shops are among the beneficiaries, prompting Cardwell to question the fairness of the decision.
