The Spending Review, National Living Wage consultation and LVIs are the areas of focus for Bira this month.

Read the latest update from Andrew Goodacre, CEO

 

Hello,

We continue to be busy with a focus on:

  • Spending review - There is no specific mention of high streets/retail or independents. However, there will be some new growth funds and investment in 350 struggling places. Let's hope high streets and indies benefit from these investments.

  • Importing Low Value Items (LVIs). The Government announced a review of LVIs in April and we have been leading a working group from the Retail Sector Council to push for positive changes. Items worth less than £135 can come into the country duty free. This is also leading to VAT fraud, and unfair competition. We want to see these rules changed, duty introduced and the overseas companies paying their share of taxes, as our members do.

  • National Living Wage – We have responded to the Government's consultation on the recommendation for next April.


Thank you.

Andrew

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
 

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
Learn more about our advocacy efforts
 

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We’re talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality.

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