01 July 2024
Bira issues urgent plea to political parties - put independent retail at heart of election manifestos
This week we finally go to the polls on Thursday 4th July to choose a new government. It has been a long campaign. From Bira's perspective, our priorities for the new government do not change, irrespective of who wins.
We simply want a government that truly believes in the value of the high street and independent retailers. Whoever wins has to deliver:
- Lower business rates for the smaller retailers
- Review of corporate tax encouraging more investment by smaller businesses
- Continued investment in local high streets, removing barriers such as the availability and cost of parking
- A focus on retail crime to reduce the damage to retail businesses
- A review of the cycle to work scheme so that retailers also see some benefit and not just the scheme providers
- A co-ordinated plan to reduce wastage in the retail sector
- A review of regulations so that smaller retailers are not disproportionately affected
There are many more issues to be discussed and our work in BIRA will begin on the 5th July.
Read more about our policies and beliefs in the Bira Manifesto.
Related News
-
Independent retailers challenge Government over 'fundamentally misdirected' pub-only business rates relief
Bira has responded to January's announcement giving pubs 15% business rates relief with a hard-hitting podcast calling the policy "fundamentally misdirected."
-
Coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform
Bira has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, alongside 18 others, calling for a formal consultation on reforming VAT online marketplace liability rules.
-
Local businesses must have voice in Pride in Place spending decisions
Bira has called for local businesses to be given a say in how Pride in Place funding is spent, as the government announced an £800 million expansion of the community regeneration programme.
-
High streets funding welcome but business rates reform essential for lasting change
Bira has welcomed the government's £150 million investment in high streets but warned that the funding could be undermined without fundamental business rates reform.