Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Local MP Gets Results From Biggest Ever Survey Of Lewes & Newhaven Businesses
The largest ever survey of Lewes & Newhaven businesses, carried out by local MP Norman Baker, has highlighted concerns about business rates and crime.
Some of the main points raised were:
- 62% of respondents considered the uniform business rate to be an unfair way of collecting taxes.
- 84% support Lib Dem plans for a business rates allowance
- 79% of respondents did not think that there is a sufficient police presence on the streets locally.
- 67% of traders that completed the survey have been a victim of crime during the past two years.
- The average cost of crime to local traders in the past two years is £6,768.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Norman Baker said:
"I am delighted with the response I received from my survey of Newhaven and Lewes Traders, which has been extremely helpful in illustrating the current issues of concern for many local traders. The results that these surveys have produced ensure that I can take forward the concerns of the towns’ businesses.
“It is worrying that 79% of the businesses surveyed feel that the police presence in their town is insufficient and that 67% have been a victim of crime over the last two years. The most common crime affecting local businesses is theft which evidently costs small businesses a lot of money. I will certainly continue to raise this issue in my regular meetings with representatives of Sussex Police. I was, however, comforted to hear that 60% of those who have been affected by crime were satisfied with the police response. I am well aware how hard the local police work and I am pleased that their efforts are being recognised. I am confident that Sussex Police are taking positive and effective steps to respond to public concern about crime.
“Once again, however, my survey has revealed the unfair and excessive burden that the Government’s current system of business taxation places on small companies. The Lib Dem policy to introduce a business rates allowance would certainly help to reduce this burden and really give small businesses a chance to prosper.”
Some more results
· Q3: 46% improved, 23% same, 21% worsened, 5% unsure, 5% n/a.
· Q4: 38% improve, 41% same, 15% worsened, 3% unsure, 3% n/a.
· Q7: 72% yes, 28% unsure.
· Q8: 38% yes, 49% no, 13% unsure.
· Q9: 13% yes, 62% no, 21% unsure, 5% n/a.
· Q10: 84% yes, 7% no, 9% unsure.
· Q11: 54% yes, 43.5% no, 2.5% unsure.
· Q12: 18% yes, 5% no, 64% unsure, 13% n/a.
· Q13: 41% yes, 31% no, 28% unsure.
· Q14: 10% yes, 62% no, 28% unsure.
· Q16: 13% yes, 79% no, 5% unsure, 3% n/a.
· Q17: 28% yes, 33% no, 36% unsure, 3% n/a
· Q18: 67% yes, 28% no, 5% unsure.