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
-
Bira welcomes action on online marketplace waste compliance for vaping and electrical goods
The Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers Association (Retra) has welcomed the announcement from Defra that waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations will be extended to overseas online marketplaces.
-
Bira to play key role in Treasury's business rates reform discussions
Bira has been invited to participate in crucial Treasury discussions on business rates reform, marking a significant step forward in the association's long-standing campaign to reduce the rates burden on independent retailers.
-
Bira welcomes new House of Lords report on high street regeneration
Independent retailers back call for local leadership and simplified funding.
-
Electrical retail trade body demands clarity on new tumble dryer regulations
Leading electrical retail trade association Retra is calling on the government to provide urgent clarity about new tumble dryer regulations that could significantly impact UK retailers and consumers from July 2025.