With the UK experiencing a heatwave, a little-known tax wrinkle is hitting small businesses that have air conditioning.

Now the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on Government to do away with the unfair charge.

Currently the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) says having air conditioning adds value to property. As a result, small businesses face higher rate bills. This covers most business premises, including offices, shops and industrial units.

Martin McTague, FSB chairman, Advocacy & Policy, said: "It's time that Government helped the nation's workers stay cool in future heatwaves by removing this aircon tax.

"As temperatures rise in the country's shops, offices and industrial units, it's absurd that a business owner gets clobbered with a huge tax bill for investing in their business and trying to keep workers cool and business productive.

"This is just one example of how unfair and regressive the system is, hitting firms before they've made their first penny in turnover, let alone profit."

Other assets that the VOA uses as a means to further increase, already hefty, business rates bills include CCTV systems, fire alarms, lifts and solar panels.