Small business tax on parking

Plans to tax small businesses on the parking provisions they provide for staff are wrong, business group exclaims.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has reacted fiercely to reports that a controversial tax on private parking spaces, that will knock small businesses back.

The attack has come after councils across the UK have announced plans to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL) scheme. The FPB is concerned that these plans will provoke fury among small business owners, as they could be forced to pay thousands of pounds a year for providing their employees with somewhere to park.

FPB’s spokesman, Chris Gorman said:

“In our view, and in the view of our members, it's simply a stealth tax which will have a disproportionate impact on small businesses. It's the equivalent of charging homeowners to park on their own driveways and will increase parking problems in town centres and cities.”

The forum argues that small businesses already contribute enormous amounts to public services through existing taxes such as business rates.

Mr Gorman added:

“This proposal comes as small businesses are battling with economic uncertainty, public spending cuts and worrying levels of inflation.”

“We would urge any businesses whose local authorities are considering implementing a WPL scheme to oppose it in every way they can.”