The Conservative Party committed to scrap business rates at their Party Conference, with Bira supporting this move but highlighting that similar promises have been made before.
Read an update on the Conservative Party Conference, among more updates, from Andrew Goodacre, CEO
Hello,
Another week and another party conference. Also more statements of support for small businesses. This time it was the Conservative party committing to “scrap business rates”. Obviously we support such a policy - it is such a shame that the Conservative government did not do this whilst they were in power from 2010 to 2024!. Opposition parties saying that they plan to scrap businesses rates is nothing new – Labour said the same thing when in opposition and are now doing the opposite.
Labour’s so called transformation of business rates will increase rates for everyone, and those with a rateable value above £51,000 will see their rates bill double in April next year! Rest assured we are doing our best to get this changed, and at least we strongly believe that those retailers affected by this large increase should at least receive transitional relief.
We are also approaching decision time for the Low Pay Commission to determine next year’s National Living and Minimum wages. Bira has already submitted information urging the Commission to be cautious, whilst finding a way of ensuring employees receive fair pay for a day’s work. A tricky balance and I am keen to submit any last minute thoughts from indie retailers. Should the new rate be in line with inflation? Please let me know by writing to me on andrew.goodacre@bira.co.uk or sharing your thoughts on the forum.
From a policy perspective this is a busy time of year, culminating in the budget on the 26th November.
Thank you.
Andrew
Your thoughts on National Living and Minimum Wage can be heard by Government.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre is keen to recieve correspondence from independent retailers on the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage to put forward to the Low Pay Commission very soon. Share your thoughts on Bira Connect.
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Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
- £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
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Latest Resources
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Campaign Update | Labour Party Conference
Bira was represented at the recent Labour Party Conference, with discussions held on a number of issues the association is advocating for.
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Campaign Focus | August 2025
The forthcoming Budget, a letter to the Chancellor on low-value imports and the consistent issue of retail crime are the areas of focus for Bira this month.