Rates for households should be reduced to boost the economy, large retailers said.
The Executive should resist inflationary pressures to slash the levy for home and business owners alike, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium added.
Finance minister Sammy Wilson is considering measures leaving big stores paying a lot more in rates and smaller businesses less.
The consortium director, Jane Bevis, said: “The Executive is right to be looking to help small businesses through rate relief, providing it is fairly funded. That means all sectors which stand to benefit should contribute.
“There also needs to be a focus on collecting bad debt and reducing the cost of local government in Northern Ireland with the ultimate aim of lowering rates for all, households and businesses alike.”
She gives evidence today to Stormont’s finance and personnel committee on the proposed large retailer levy and small business rates relief plans.
The consortium has published a five-point plan which it claims would help revitalise the retail sector and rebalance the economy.
Measures include:
- A fairly funded extension of the small business rates relief scheme;
- A rates reduction for all in Northern Ireland, including businesses and households;
- The accelerated introduction of business improvement districts;
- An urgent overhaul of the planning system to improve processing times for applications for developments;
- A commitment to developing the skills of the workforce.
Ms Bevis added: “The best route to a bright economic future for Northern Ireland involves the private sector and Executive working together to attract investment, revitalise consumer confidence and regenerate town centres. With the right support, retailers - small and large - can play a significant part in this.”
Proposed changes would mean 26 companies with 77 retail premises paying an extra £85,000 a year in rates per premises.
This would equate to an average rates saving for small businesses of around £750.
PA