THE head of the region’s Chamber of Commerce has added her backing to calls for a business rate reform.

The Press reported yesterday that business leaders in the city supported MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee who claimed business rates are in need of “fundamental reform” as the current property value based tax is “no longer fit for purpose”.

Susie Cawood, head of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “The business rates system is an iniquitous tax that is liable irrespective of company profitability and in need of fundamental reform.

"We would agree with comments that a system of business taxation based on physical property is simply no longer appropriate in an increasingly online retail world. There are other measures the local authority could take to address declining High St sales, for example: city centre car parking charges and keeping Lendal Bridge open to cars.”

Coun James Alexander added his backing yesterday, stating City of York Council sends £40 million a year more to central Government from business rates than it receives back in funding. The figure of £40,000 reported yesterday was incorrect.