A campaign led by Purley businesses has succeeded in securing tax cuts for small high street shops in the country.

The campaign began a year ago, after Chris Philp, MP for Croydon South, approached Purley business owners who raised the issue of high business rates on the high street.

Philp began lobbying to lower rates for smaller shops, meeting with the Chancellor and Treasury Ministers multiple times to raise the issue.

Following this, in last year’s November budget the Chancellor announced that business rates will be cut by 1/3rd for smaller shops.

Shops with a rateable value under £51,000 will be eligible, which means most high streets shops will be entitled to the rates reduction.

Head of the Purley Business Improvement District Simon Cripps said: “Local traders are really appreciative that Chris listened to our concerns about Business Rates and then lobbied the Chancellor so effectively on our behalf.

"I’m delighted that the Chancellor listened – it’s good to know that the voice of local shopkeepers in Purley is being heard in Downing Street, thanks to Chris.”

The Treasury has estimated that 90 percent of small retailers stand to benefit from this reduction. This cut takes effect on 1st April.

At the same time, the very largest online companies who have been paying very little tax will have to pay a £400 million per year Digital Services Tax bill from April 2020, to help level the playing field.

Chris Philp said: “All small shops will benefit from a one third business rates cut for the next two years, until the next revaluation. Local shops are the lifeblood of our community, and it is really important to me that we support them.”

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, thanked Chris Philp during the budget last year, saying “If Britain’s high streets are to remain at the centre of our community life, they will need to adapt.

"Today, we support them to do so, responding to calls from across this House, especially from my right hon.

"Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening) and my hon. Friends the Members for Southport (Damien Moore) and for Croydon South (Chris Philp).”