READER'S OPINION: Increase in business rates could have a devastating impact

In my covering letter I asked Mary Portas if she could help by contacting the relevant government official/s to seek the reversal of the proposed government plan to introduce a new business rate for all, in the new financial year April 2017/18.

Whether or not Mary Portas was able to view my letter and comments, we are all grateful for the input Mary has made during the past few days.

The proposal to increase business rates could have such a devastating impact on so many businesses that I wonder if the true impact has been made on the repercussions of such an action.

As a long-standing supporter of the Conservative government this proposal has to be reversed as it goes against everything that I had hoped that the Conservative government stands for.

Next year would see our business in Lee-on-the-Solent High Street reach 30 years of trading. Should this be in jeopardy?

*This letter was submitted Peter Patterson, of High Street, Lee-on-the-Solent