Catherine West MP was in Parliament this week to challenge the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the proposed changes to business rates that would hit companies across London.

While huge retailers such as Amazon, Sports Direct and Asos face reductions in their rates, many small, local and cherished businesses will have to find a lot more money just to stay afloat under government plans.

In Hornsey & Wood Green successful companies may be forced to close or decide enough is enough.

As Raul Mancera, North East London Chair, Federation of Small Businesses tells us, “Haringey is in serious danger of losing its vital support system of micro and small businesses.”

You can watch her intervention here:

http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/dbf6cdf9-bcab-4552-9ef0-215cc37f1ba5?in=12:03:39

Catherine West MP said: “Excellent businesses such as Dunn’s Bakery, the Railway Tavern and Elsie Caf in high-value areas such as Crouch End and Muswell Hill have made representations.”

“Will the Chancellor please confirm that he will look again at the business rates revaluation?”

Labour wants to help businesses with a fund worth £150m a year for the next three years, and eventually aims to reform the system.