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
-
Scottish Government urged to cut business rates for indie retailers
Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13 January.
-
Penzance protest against Lloyds Bank closure backed by Bira
Bira has thrown its weight behind a protest march on Lloyds Bank's London headquarters by Penzance businesses and campaigners fighting to save their local branch.
-
Independent retailers welcome Winter of Action to tackle high street crime
Bira has welcomed the Government's Winter of Action initiative to crack down on crime in town centres across the country.
-
Independent retailers face "perfect storm" of cost pressures as Budget podcast reveals harsh reality
Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", Bira has warned.