Independent retailers urged to push for fair rates reform as podcast reveals £6.5 billion funding plan

Bira has said it is going to be urging the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to deliver full business rates reform for the whole high street, not just a 20% discount for pubs, clubs and live music venues.

In its latest podcast series, High Street Matters, Bira sets out a funded proposal that could raise £6.5 billion for the Treasury by closing the low value import loophole and tackling online VAT fraud, enough to pay for wider business rates support.

He said: "Our own cost of running a business has gone up drastically. And the compounding effect of that inevitably is that we're going to lose retailers."

Mr Jones said the business rates system needs a complete overhaul so that online and digital businesses take a fair share of the burden, rather than physical shops carrying the load alone.

He said: "I firmly believe that the high street can look after itself if the tax regime allows it to."

Mr Goodacre said closing the low value import loophole and addressing online VAT fraud could raise around £6.5 billion for the Treasury, more than enough to cover a 75% discount on business rates for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.

He said: "The money should come back into high streets."

Looking ahead to the autumn Budget, Mr Goodacre said Bira remains hopeful that government will listen, after senior Treasury officials contacted the organisation the day after the pubs announcement to discuss its concerns.

Asked what success would look like in a year's time, Mr Josan called for reduced crime, reduced energy bills, reduced business rates and a greater variety of shops on the high street. Mr Jones said he hoped to see turnover and employment at Philip Morris and Son moving in the right direction.

The podcast can be found by searching 'High Street Matters Bira' on your podcast provider of choice.