Despite the Coronavirus pandemic and the Labour-run Vale of Glamorgan Council's car parking charges, our local businesses are soldiering on, keeping our high streets alive. But did you know that on top of all that, Vale traders are hammered by the least-competitive business rates in Britain? That's why I am calling for action to protect the backbones of our communities. I want business rates scrapped for all small businesses rated under £15,000. And we need business rate-free zones for places like Barry, Llantwit Major, Dinas Powys and Cowbridge where all businesses would be freed from paying business rates for up to three years.
if we take our local businesses for granted or ignore the pressures they are under, we risk waking up one day and finding our high streets abandoned and lifeless. That's why it's so important to ease the burden on our communities' traders and retailers.
