Chamber Business News

Date published: 26 October 2011

Meet Your MP
Bury North MP David Nuttall is inviting Bury businesses to meet him this week, so he can hear first-hand how they are managing in the current economic climate. The meeting will take place at 1pm on Friday in the Business Lodge CEC, Europa House, Barcroft Street, Bury.

If you would like to attend phone 0161 797 5007 or email nabila.afilal@parliament.uk  The event follows last week’s meetings at the House of Commons between the Chamber and Greater Manchester MPs.

Parking Changes
Changes to parking charges in Manchester city centre came in to force on Monday. On-street parking charges now apply up to 8pm Monday to Sunday, except on Bank Holidays.

Previously, on-street parking was free after 6pm Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday. The Chamber opposed the parking charges when they were first proposed and had a number of meetings with Manchester City Council to raise our concerns.

National Action
Following last week’s high inflation figures, British Chambers of Commerce has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to express concerns about next year’s business rate bills. The Chamber has given its backing to the letter.

As the business rates multiplier in England and Wales has traditionally followed the September inflation figure, there could be a 5.6% increase next year, which businesses can ill afford.