YP Letters: Rates fiasco that favours online giants

THE article by Stephen Martin of the Institute of Directors (The Yorkshire Post, February 21) highlights the serious problems with business rates caused by the revaluation of business rateable value. But he does not give any easy solutions to the problem.

Surely the solution lies in charging business rates on each company’s turnover? That way large businesses with high turnover will pay proportionately whether they operate from high street premises or from warehouses. This would help protect SMEs where turnover is much smaller.

Allowing large turnover, mainly internet, businesses to pay lower business rates is not correct. Surely we seek a fair system where those that turnover the most money pay the most rates?

From: Keith Tinkler, Leyburn.

WHAT matters more to HM Government – internet giant Amazon or high street independent shops? Judging by the business rates fiasco, it’s the former sadly.

Trump threat to free Press

From: Brian Sheridan, Redmires Road, Sheffield.

IN a recent statement from The White House Donald Trump declared: “The Press is honestly out of control. The level of dishonesty is out of control.”

This is a man who neither knows nor cares about the veracity of his utterances talking about two of the world’s most respected newspapers: the New York Times and the Washington Post. He has even upset the scourge of the Democrats: Right-leaning TV channel Fox News.

Most disturbing, however, are the subliminal implications of what Trump says: some level of dishonesty is acceptable and the government should control the news. Any leader who challenges the role of the judiciary and the free press is to be feared, let alone the President of the Land of the Free.

Grandparents need help too

From: Mrs JM Shaw, Warwick Close, Free School Lane, Halifax.

FOR some time now, I have felt I wanted to help grandparents who do not see their grandchildren. I believe there are organisations for grandparents when their children split or divorce, but nothing for grandparents whose children ban them from seeing grandchildren for other reasons.

I have just become one of these statistics and, in my 73rd year, I find it hard. Within my small circle of friends there are four of us, and many friends who know of someone in this situation.

Fees killing live theatre

From: Hilary Andrews, Leeds.

SO glad to hear that the Birmingham Theatre Group is refusing to put on productions at the Grand in Leeds (The Yorkshire Post, February 24) because of the outrageous booking fees for school parties.

I love opera but have given up going to see Opera North because of the ticket charges and the indignity of the booking fee – even when I’m booking in person. I can see three productions from the Royal Opera House on screen for the price of a half decent seat at the Grand. Sad.

Five star bully must back off

From: John Appleyard, Firthcliffe Parade, Liversedge.

THE Ritz Ballroom in Brighouse opened its doors 80 years ago and has given much pleasure.

Its future is now in jeopardy because the Ritz Hotel in London is threatening legal action unless the music venue withdraws the word ‘Ritz’ from its title by today (February 28). The Ritz Ballroom in Brighouse cannot afford to fight this legal challenge from a company that charges £54 for afternoon tea. The lawyers have failed to provide evidence that the ballroom has a detrimental effect on this well-heeled hotel.

This truly is a David and Goliath story and I hope the people of Brighouse rally round the Ritz Ballroom.

Church above your politics

From: Mrs I M Asquith, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield.

I WAS somewhat surprised and mystified at the letter of Alan Chapman (The Yorkshire Post, February 23) in which he talks at length about the Church’s left and right-wing clergy. I thought the Church was there primarily to promote the love and purpose of God. Is He left or right wing?

We are told to love God with all our heart and with all our strength and with all our mind and our neighbour as ourselves.

When asked who is my neighbour, Jesus gave a reply that can be found in Luke chapter 10 of the Bible.

Perhaps that will help establish God’s position when we relate it to the world today.

Power cut

From: ME Wright, Harrogate.

TRANSPORT Secretary Chris Grayling tells James Reed of his aversion to overhead wires (The Yorkshire Post, February 20).

It seems that the Northern Powerhouse is to undergo power cuts, even before it is switched on.

More welcome, was the assertion that “they (Pacer trains) are going to be put out to pasture now”; when is “now”?

Stamp woes

From: W Roche, Leeds.

WHY am I buying first class stamps? I sent my grandson a birthday card with a present three weeks ago and he has 
still not got it.

I think I will just use text messages in future.