Small businesses across Milton Keynes could soon benefit from long-awaited reforms to the business rates system, designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to expand without facing sudden tax hikes.
Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson visited Great Linford Local Centre to meet Milton Keynes MPs Chris Curtis, Emily Darlington and Callum Anderson, alongside Milton Keynes City Council leader Pete Marland, to discuss the changes with local traders.
The government is reviewing the current “cliff-edge” thresholds in business rates which mean a small business can lose all of its Small Business Rates Relief as soon as it expands to a second location. Critics have long argued that the system discourages growth and penalises ambition.
The reforms, first pledged in Labour’s election manifesto, are intended to remove these barriers and reward small firms that want to scale up. They come alongside a 40% cut in business rates for around 250,000 shops, pubs and restaurants across the UK.
For Milton Keynes — home to a thriving mix of independent retailers, cafés, professional services and tech start-ups — the changes could make a significant difference.
Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our communities in Milton Keynes. These pro-growth tax reforms will help ensure they can survive and thrive in our city and across the country.”
Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, added: “Milton Keynes is recognised as one of the best places in the UK to set up a business. But too many small firms hit a ceiling before reaching their potential. Removing unfair barriers like ‘cliff-edge’ rate hikes will give them the space to grow.”
Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, has launched an Investment Taskforce in Bletchley to support business growth. He said: “Small businesses are more than the bedrock of our economy — they are the bedrock of the places we live. These reforms will support local entrepreneurs to scale up and create new jobs.”
Pete Marland, leader of Milton Keynes City Council, welcomed the proposals. “Milton Keynes has always been a place where small businesses can take an idea and turn it into something great,” he said. “It is vital they have the chance to grow, create more jobs, and keep our high streets and local centres thriving.”
Business groups in the city are expected to watch the detail closely. For many independents, the difference between being able to open a second shop or café — or staying small to avoid higher rates — can be the deciding factor in whether they grow.
With the reforms now moving forward, local leaders say they hope Milton Keynes can continue to build on its reputation as one of the UK’s most entrepreneurial cities.
