2004 press releases

Local MP Gets Results From Biggest Ever Survey Of Seaford Businesses

The largest ever survey of Seaford traders, by local MP, Norman Baker, has highlighted concerns about business taxation and crime.

Some of the main points raised were:

• 95% of local companies supported the Lib Dem idea of a business rates allowance, which would redress the balance between the taxes paid by small and large companies. 
• 65% of companies have been the victim of crime during the past two years.
• 60% of traders think that the police presence has improved in the past 2 months, but 85% still think that the police presence is not sufficient.
• 60% said that the uniform business rate was an unfair means of taxation.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Norman Baker said:

"I am glad to have had a good number of responses to the survey, which has been very helpful in showing the true problems many local traders face. The results ensure that I can take forward the concerns of the businesses in the town.

"The current system of business taxation places an unfair and excessive burden on small firms," says the local MP. "At the moment, it is not unusual to see small businesses paying up to three times more of their income than larger companies. The Lib Dem policy of introducing a business rates allowance would help to reduce the unreasonable burden placed upon them and give them a chance to prosper.

"It is alarming that 85% of businesses feel as though there is not a large enough police presence in their area. The issues of retail crime and vandalism are ones I have been raising, and will continue to raise with the representatives of Sussex Police at every opportunity. It is more reassuring to note that many firms think that the situation is improving, albeit slowly, and I hope that it will continue to improve further."

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