We think nurseries are facing extremely tough times next year with the increase in employer NICs and the national minimum wage. Nurseries have set staff to children ratios, so may not be able cut back on staff like other businesses, without affecting their income, because this would also reduce the number of children they can take. Nurseries also have to pay VAT on purchases but are VAT exempt. We think nurseries need help with running costs if they are to survive and continue to offer high quality early years education to young children. We think abolishing business rates will go some way to doing this.