29 January 2026
Independent research warning that Labour faces electoral wipeout unless it addresses high street decline has vindicated warnings from retailers and exposed the inadequacy of the government's pub-only business rates package, Bira has said.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said University of Southampton research showing high street decline as a top voter concern demonstrated that the government's decision to support only pubs was "fundamentally misdirected".
Mr Goodacre said the research's finding that improving shopping precincts ranked behind only healthcare and reducing crime demonstrated the political stakes of the government's approach. The CEO also noted that the Guardian analysis, which shows 8,000 fewer retail outlets since 2019, underlined the scale of the crisis facing high streets.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "This research supports everything we have been saying. High street decline is now the third most important local issue for voters, yet the government's response is to help pubs - when only 32% of pubs are actually on high streets. This proves that this government is not supporting high street growth or investment.
"The study warns Labour will be 'washed away in a tide of discontent' unless it tackles high street decline. Yet the Chancellor's response excludes the very businesses that define high streets - independent retailers who face identical pressures to pubs but receive no support.
"We have the research, we have the data, and we have the warnings about electoral consequences. What we don't have is a government willing to support the businesses that could actually reverse high street decline. Supporting pubs whilst excluding retailers is poor policy based on politics rather than what's good for local economies."
"I’d be happy to ban Labour MPs if we think it would make a difference?"
Our members have already started the conversation about the "unfairness" of the rates relief for pubs, with none for retailers, over on the forum, which you can access by simply logging into the Bira website. See what fellow retailers think of this decsion and have your say over on Bira Connect.
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
Image credit: Óscar/stock.adobe.com
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