Councils could offer business rates discounts

The Government is examining plans to let councils offer discretionary discounts on business rates to local firms

The proposal was included in the Conservative’s election manifesto but not the coalition agreement between the Tories and the Liberal Democrats.

A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said: “The Government is committed to the radical devolution of power and delivering greater financial autonomy to local government and community groups.

“As part of that Bob Neil [Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DCLG] is looking at whether councils could be given discretionary powers to introduce local discounts on business rates.

“We will outline our plans in due course.”

He said the aim is to let councils give “equal incentive” to attracting business to as they do attracting housing through help with council tax.

 

Tax assessment could mean less red tape for pubs

Licensees could enjoy some respite in regulation, taxes and red tape following the Government’s appointment of an Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).

Chancellor George Osborne has appointed a board of tax experts to take care of the OTS including new chairman Michael Jack and John Whiting, now tax director.

The board will identify areas in the tax system that can be simplified, drawing on advice from tax and legal experts, and present their findings to Osborne.

Areas of focus will be tax reliefs, published to Osborne in late autumn, and small business tax simplification, which will be published by the 2011 Budget.

 

Tate & Lyle launch foodservice website

Sugar producer Tate & Lyle has launched a specialist foodservice website dedicated to professional chefs.

The site offers recipes that introduce new ways of using sugar and syrup in dishes, plus cooking tips from Jun Tanaka, executive chef of Pearl Restaurant and Bar.

Caterers can also find more information about their favourite Tate & Lyle products, including individual sachets, catering packs and vending machine packs.

www.tasteandsmile.co.uk/procooks

 

TISSL launch bespoke consultancy service

EPoS provider TISSL has introduced a bespoke consultancy service aimed at improving the efficiency, service and profitability of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Named Triage, the service looks to assess and improve operational effectiveness, from the partnership between front and back of house to customer service and staff efficiency.

Wastage is addressed by increasing void security, stock controls and by scrutinising dish pricing and online ordering practices.

Kevin Coetzee, managing director of TISSL, said: “Triage is aimed at helping venues - from fine dining establishments to fast-food outlets - to maximise the benefits of EPoS technology in their business."

www.tissl.co.uk