18 November 2024
Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.
The Budget, labelled by Bira as ‘devastating’ for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “Thank you to all the members who have shared their thoughts on the impact of the budget. Based on this feedback, Bira has been robust in its response and judgement of the budget, especially where it is hurting the medium sized independents by as much as an extra cost of £200K per annum.
“We have also held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss our concerns. Whilst there were no indications that any changes would be made, our concerns were listened to.
“We also discussed the proposed reform to business rates which is due to be in place for April 2026. It was clear from the meeting that Bira will be fully involved with this reform.”
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
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
Related News
All News-
List of most endangered high street shops reveals need to protect independents ‘more important than ever’
Over 130,000 independent high street businesses could be in danger of disappearing from UK high streets within the next 15 years if not properly supported, claims new analysis.
-
'Industrial scale' of shop theft for online selling 'worrying', claims Bira as shopkeeper tracks down stolen goods on Vinted
Bira has warned of the growing "industrial scale" of shop theft to fuel online resale, following an incident where a Dorset shopkeeper traced stolen Jellycat toys being sold on Vinted.
-
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.