Many small traders believe they have become victims of the UBR, which was introduced by the government in 1990.

Ministers wanted to prevent councils charging excessive rates and set the rates themselves in line with inflation.

But smaller shops and offices said it was unfair as they often paid more per square foot of space than the big firms.

Now Knutsford MP Neil Hamilton has put his name to a Conservative committee pamphlet calling for changes to the system. And traders hope the government will introduce the reforms as soon as possible.

But Barbara Austin, who runs Etceteras on King Street, said the reforms would be too late for many small traders.

"The government has promoted so many things which cause problems for small traders, like out-of-town superstores with free parking," said the Liberal Democrat councillor.

"Now, with a general election coming up, they've suddenly realised they need to do something to get small traders back on their side.

"It's a move in the right direction and I'm sure all small traders will welcome it, but I think it will be too late for a lot of business people."

Prime Minister John Major has already hinted he would back the proposed reforms, which include:

introducing a banded system based on rateable values, with discounts for smaller premises or a flat-rate exemption for the first £2,500 rateable value;

contracting out the valuation work for business-based properties to reduce the number of appeals;

giving local authorities the power to reduce their business rate.

The pamphlet, Fairer Business Rates, outlines the reforms and has the backing of 15 backbench Tories, including Mr Hamilton.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.