West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas is calling for a debate on business rates - and would like to see them scrapped together.

Speaking at a meeting of business owners in Helston last week, Mr Thomas revealed that he had submitted a ballot bid for a debate on business rates in parliament. He wants to argue that towns such as Helston should receive five per cent of the income from its business rates - something he said could raise half a million a year.

"My personal view is that business rates should be scrapped altogether, but while they're here we should start seeing the benefits," he said. Reforms mean Cornwall Council could soon keep 100 per cent of local rates income, rather than receive government grants.

Mr Thomas added that in his view a "collection tax" would be a fairer system and would vary depending on trade. "If a supermarket takes over £100million they might pay one per cent of that. If you take only £10,000 you pay one per cent," he explained.

Mr Thomas acknowledged that businesses currently exempt from business rates would have to start paying, but he pointed out that the current system meant tax was paid regardless of external factors out of businesses' control, be it poor weather or the council putting up the cost of parking. "You pay it whether you're open or not," he added.