The fight against increases to riding centres’ business rates has gone to the highest level of the government, as the chancellor of the exchequer has asked for details of their effect on the industry.
As a result of the British Horse Society’s (BHS) long-running campaign against changes to businesses’ rateable values, from which the rates are calculated, BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips met chancellor Philip Hammond in March.
“The chancellor was receptive and understood our concerns,” Ms Phillips told H&H.
“He was talking about the rate relief that’s in place, and additional relief available, but while those I’m sure support some businesses, they’re not always useful for riding schools.
“He asked if there was a problem, why weren’t businesses appealing. We said some are, so he asked us to collect data.
“If people have appealed successfully, that could demonstrate that the whole business rates process for that element is flawed.”
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Ms Phillips said that in response to the chancellor’s request for information, the survey has been created and sent to all BHS- approved riding schools, but the more people who complete it, the stronger the evidence will be when it is presented to the chancellor.
“People are absolutely struggling and this is make or break for them,” she added.
“Riding schools are closing and we know that once that happens, they don’t come back, then people won’t have the chance to learn to ride as we did.”
The owner has warned other yards may be forced to close due to the tax rise, damaging the future of
“But if we don’t have the evidence, we can’t continue with the campaign. Gathering the data helps us keep up the pressure and keep lobbying. That’s why we need people to complete the survey, so we can campaign on their behalf.
“The more evidence we can collect, the stronger our voice.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
