Southport MP warns against Liverpool jobs tax

Southport MP warns against Liverpool jobs tax

Southport businesses could be charged extra rates due to changes agreed by Sefton Council.  This is despite figures showing that the town provides tens of millions more Council Tax than other areas in the borough.

On Friday, it was announced that Sefton accepts new powers which would allow Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram to demand extra money from businesses to fund infrastructure in the wider City Region.

Damien Moore MP said: ‘Our businesses should not pay more than they already are for projects they will probably not see.’

Terry Jones, the Conservative leader on Sefton Council, added: ‘We support a combined authority, but this particular decision needs to be reconsidered immediately. Many businesses are struggling in these uncertain times and we should not be putting further hurdles in their way.’

Shockingly, after a Freedom of Information request, it was revealed that Southport provides more Council Tax than any other part of Sefton.  In 2017/18, the town paid more than £50 million; Bootle, just under £18 million.

Council Tax collected in Sefton. Source: Sefton Council